5G mobile service launches in the UK

The first 5G mobile network in Britain has been switched on, promising much faster internet speeds on smartphones.

EE, owned by BT, launched its 5G service on 30 May in six cities: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester. Other networks are expected to follow in the coming months.

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, following 4G, which was introduced in Britain in 2012. It offers faster download speeds, lower delays and the ability to connect many more devices at the same time.

EE says customers could see speeds of 100 to 150 megabits per second, with peaks much higher, several times faster than typical 4G speeds.

At first, the service is only available in parts of the six cities, such as busy city centres. EE plans to expand it to more cities during the year.

Handsets

To use 5G, customers need a new phone that supports the technology. Only a few are available so far, including models from Samsung, OnePlus, LG and Oppo, and they are more expensive than most phones.

Apple has not yet released a 5G iPhone.

Beyond the phone

Supporters say 5G will do far more than speed up phones. It could support driverless cars, remote surgery, smart factories and the internet of things, in which household appliances and city infrastructure are connected to the internet.

Some of those uses are still years away, and many experts say the benefits for ordinary users will build up gradually.

The Huawei question

The launch comes amid a row over the role of the Chinese technology company Huawei in building Britain's 5G networks. The United States has urged its allies to ban Huawei, saying its equipment could be used by the Chinese government for spying. Huawei denies this.

The British government has not yet made a final decision on whether Huawei can supply equipment for 5G. EE uses some Huawei equipment in its network.

Health fears

Some campaigners have raised concerns about the health effects of 5G, but scientists and public health bodies say there is no evidence that it poses a risk, as the radio waves used are well within international safety guidelines.

Birmingham is one of the first cities to get the new service, and it is also home to a government-funded 5G testing project covering the wider region.