- What is 5G?
- Is 5G better than 4G?
- Is 5G safe?
You've probably heard of 5G, the new wireless technology which tech-heads and telcos alike are raving about. So what is 5G? Exactly what can it do? And can it deliver on its promise of game-changing fast Internet?
What is 5G?
5G, the fifth-gen mobile network, offers lightning-fast broadband speeds and superior performance compared to 4G. While 4G covers much of Australia, some remote regions still rely on 3G. Australia's 2G and 1G networks are long retired.
The 5G networks employ various radio frequencies, starting with "mid-band" frequencies below 6 GHz, akin to 4G and 3G. The next phase will introduce "millimeter wave" frequencies around 26 GHz, unlocking 5G's full potential.
High-frequency mmWave signals provide incredible speed but have limited reach and building penetration. Therefore, they'll primarily enhance capacity in high-traffic urban areas, like central business districts, sports stadiums, and train stations, rather than extending into suburban regions.
5G providers in Australia
Australian telecom companies are racing to offer 5G, a game-changing mobile technology that promises faster, more stable communication and better streaming. This exciting shift is making people consider switching to 5G.
If you're curious about 5G, there are many telco options to choose from. You can access 5G through mobile broadband and home wireless plans, which are great if you have a 5G-ready device. Check out these providers in the Australian 5G market.
Telstra
Telstra's 5G Home Internet is super fast, with typical download speeds ranging from 50Mbps to 600Mbps and upload speeds from 10Mbps to 90Mbps during busy hours (7-11pm).
Telstra includes:
- Telstra 5G Internet Modem 2
- 1000GB of high-speed data per month
- Advanced cybersecurity included
- Join Telstra Plus to earn rewards
TPG
Why opt for TPG's 5G Home Broadband? Customers can get the first month without plan fees and the flexibility to return the modem if they’re not entirely satisfied within the initial month. Installation is a breeze – no technician required, and they will receive a top-notch WiFi modem with Wi-Fi 6 technology.
Customers can pick from two speed options: the Premium Plan offers max speeds of 100Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads, while the Plus Plan provides 50Mbps downloads and 20Mbps uploads, catering to various online activities from browsing to streaming in HD and 4K.
Optus
Optus offers 5G and 4G network coverage across most of Australia. They have 5G in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as 5G Home Connectivity near major cities.
You can choose from various Optus 5G plans. The My Plan 30GB includes 30GB data for $45/month and Optus Sport Subscription.
For more international connections, there's a $65/month plan with unlimited calls, 4GB roaming, and 30GB data. Premium 5G sim-only plans at $91/month offer 150GB data, unlimited international calls, and a bonus 150GB with an Optus 5G device on a 12-month contract.
How much better is 5G?
5G promises incredible download speeds theoretically, but real-world results are different. Telstra's 5G mmWave trials have reached 3Gbps, and mid-band 5G provides over 500Mbps, much faster than 4G's 50-100Mbps. This speed boost is noticeable, making 5G faster than typical home broadband connections.
5G also handles congestion better and offers lower latency, crucial for real-time technologies like gaming, augmented reality, and tele-health applications. The shift to 5G will not only benefit users but also ease 4G network congestion.
The benefits of 5G
There are plenty of benefits to switching to 5G and these include:
- Super-fast Internet: 5G is significantly faster than 4G, allowing for high-quality streaming and rapid downloads.
- Everyday use: While it may not impact everyday tasks immediately, 5G's potential becomes evident as new applications emerge.
- NBN replacement: In Australia, 5G has the potential to replace NBN, offering speeds 30 times faster.
- IoT transformation: With its low latency, 5G is set to transform the Internet of Things (IoT), benefiting technologies like self-driving cars and telesurgery.
- Smart homes: 5G can enhance smart homes, enabling appliances to work together through cloud connectivity.
- Virtual reality: The high bandwidth and low latency of 5G can make augmented and virtual reality practical, allowing remote collaboration and immersive experiences.
- Gradual adoption: While 5G holds immense promise, its full capabilities will take several years to materialise due to limited coverage and device availability.
Are there risks in using 5G?
Some conspiracy theorists suggest that 5G can affect a person's health. Well, the 5G connection indeed emits radiation, but it's not dangerous. It's only similar to the ones in the electromagnetic spectrum like microwaves, x-rays, radio waves, light from your monitor, or light from the sun.
So far, the things we know about 5G networks will only help in improving technologies. There are no alarming issues that can cause potential harm to the masses. You can check this article about the dangers of 5G to know more about this topic.
Will 5G replace the NBN?
5G won't likely replace the NBN entirely. While it may surpass the NBN in speed for some, it's not a cost-effective option for most households. Reliance on 5G alone would strain mobile networks, meaning costly infrastructure expansion.
The NBN remains crucial for most users, with 5G serving as a complementary option. Additionally, 5G has benefits for the Internet of Things, where it may directly connect IoT devices in homes.
Explore 5G plans with Compare Broadband
If you need a change of Internet service provider or you want to switch to 5G home wireless, why not click though to have a look at how we can help?
Alternatively, give us a call for a free consultation on 1300 106 571. It's fast, it's simple and it's absolutely free!
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