5G in the UK has progressed vehemently. Currently, over 99% of outdoor premises in the UK have access to 4G, and between 85-92% can access 5G from at least one operator, an increase from the previous range of 76-85%. In areas where all four operators (EE, Vodafone, BT, and Virgin Media O2) offer 5G, coverage ranges from 16-28%, up from the previous 12-22%.
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The UK’s 5G Landscape
In 2019, EE launched the first 5G network in the UK, boldly heralding a new chapter in how the British nation would connect to the internet. This set the scene for quicker and more stable connections that would inspire innovation and competition across the telecoms industry. EE’s work in pioneering 5G has been pivotal in setting the UK up for a better-connected, technologically-advanced future.
Following the EE launch, the 5G landscape in the UK transformed swiftly, as Vodafone joined the race by initiating its 5G network in 2020. This considerably increased the availability of rapid connections with low latencies to more users.
To avoid being left behind, BT leveraged its vast infrastructure and resources to roll out its 5G services shortly after. As the parent company of EE, BT implemented an ambitious rollout strategy that integrated 5G into its existing framework, optimizing the benefits of this new technology while ensuring comprehensive coverage across the UK.
Virgin Media O2 initiated the launch of its 5G services following the merger of Virgin Media and O2 in June 2021. However, O2 had already launched its 5G network in October 2019, making it one of the UK’s first 5G adopters. Post-merger, Virgin Media O2 rapidly expanded its 5G coverage, with the aim of delivering faster and more reliable mobile connections to a wider audience.
The combined efforts of these telecom giants have reshaped the UK’s digital terrain, turning the 5G promise into a tangible reality. The UK government has been a steadfast supporter of this technological evolution, with a bold vision: achieving standalone 5G coverage in ‘all populated areas,’ including rural communities, by 2030. This goal is part of the comprehensive strategy outlined in the 2018 Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, which advocates for a market-led approach to deploying next-generation digital infrastructure. The government’s focus on making 5G infrastructure more affordable and accessible through planning and land access rule reforms, competition promotion, and investment encouragement, is a testament to its commitment to the UK’s digital future.
Moreover, the government has been supporting initiatives designed to accelerate the implementation of 5G in diverse industries by creating a friendly environment for market-driven growth and innovation.
The UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) is set to oversee an initiative that will accelerate the use of 5G and advanced communication technologies across critical sectors of the economy like manufacturing, health and social care, transport and logistics or agritech.
Nick Johnson, Head of UKTIN, emphasized the significance of the 5G Innovation Regions fund in supporting a wide variety of areas across the country, “We’re excited to see the 5G Innovation Regions fund supporting a diverse range of areas across the country. This initiative will play a crucial role in driving the adoption of advanced communication technologies across various sectors, helping to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.”
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5G Rollout Challenges
One of the primary technical obstacles in the UK’s 5G rollout concerns the infrastructure required to support 5G. Unlike previous generations of mobile networks, 5G demands a much denser infrastructure network due to its reliance on higher frequency bands, which have shorter ranges and are more easily obstructed by buildings, trees, and other physical barriers.
To achieve the fast speeds and low latency that 5G promises, a dense network of small cells—compact antennas often mounted on street lights, buildings, and other urban fixtures—must be installed. These small cells must be placed much closer together than the masts and towers used in 4G networks, creating logistical and planning challenges, especially in densely populated urban areas.
To ensure the existing masts and towers are compatible with the new technology, significant modifications are required, including:
- Installing 5G equipment to enable high-speed connectivity.
- Upgrading power supplies to ensure sufficient energy for the advanced technology.
- Establishing robust backhaul connections to link the towers effectively to the network infrastructure.
- Ensuring adequate space for the additional equipment needed to support 5G capabilities.
High costs and time drains are often associated with these modifications and they often take longer due to the need for planning permits and resistance from locals.
Geopolitical tensions have significantly complicated the rollout of 5G in the UK, adding to the existing technical and logistical challenges. For example, the UK called for all existing Huawei equipment to be replaced, which is an expensive and complicated process for telecom companies. This case has contributed to a slower rollout of 5G in that area.
At the beginning of this year, MedUX studied the quality of 5G networks in selected European cities. The survey was conducted from Q2 to Q3 of 2023 and measured 5G performance and quality of experience in major European cities, including London (U.K.), Berlin and Munich (Germany), Paris (France), Lisbon and Porto (Portugal), Rome and Milan (Italy), and Madrid and Barcelona (Spain), with London coming in at 10th place. According to MedUX, nearly 77.5% of the city’s population now has 5G on their devices, below the urban average. London did not perform well in terms of downlink speeds, with MedUX data showing the city gives users an average download speed of 143 megabits per second (Mbps), compared to 528 Mbps in Lisbon, 446 Mbps in Porto, and 326 Mbps in Barcelona.
Interestingly, Vodafone’s Chief Executive Officer stated that a merger between Vodafone and Three UK is necessary and warned against blocking such a deal since it may impede full 5G coverage in the UK by 2030.
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5G’s Sectoral Influence Across the UK
Despite the challenges mentioned above, the UK has made considerable progress. The leading telcos have increased their 5G coverage areas; thus, many cities have widely deployed it.
Healthcare
The 5G-connected ambulance is a groundbreaking innovation that enables real-time communication between patients, ambulance staff, and remote medical specialists. This advancement is the result of a collaboration between Ericsson, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), and King’s College London. Moreover, utilizing BT’s live 5G network in Birmingham, healthcare professionals have successfully performed the first remote diagnostic procedure via 5G in the UK.
Manufacturing
The advent of intelligent factories, driven by 5G’s capabilities, is revolutionizing production processes. For example, Worcester Bosch, renowned for its domestic boilers, unveiled the UK’s first 5G factory, which leverages a private 5G network and mobile edge computing infrastructure provided by Ericsson and managed by BT. This cutting-edge setup has already enhanced machine performance and boosted output by up to 2%.
The factory, a key Worcestershire 5G Testbed (W5G) component, utilizes 5G technology to operate real-time machine sensors. This capability enables the proactive identification and resolution of issues on the production line before they arise.
Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch, emphasized the valuable insights gained from the W5G Testbed, “We have learnt an awful lot within the W5G Testbed, both about the 5G network itself, but most importantly about the skills and competencies we need in-house, and what data [is needed] to develop a real-time understanding of the behavior of various machines.”
Entertainment and Media
In entertainment and media, 5G unlocks new immersive experience possibilities. High-quality streaming, previously limited by bandwidth constraints, is now accessible without interruptions or degradation in quality. Whether it be streaming 4K movies or participating in live events, users can now benefit from uninterrupted, high-definition content.
The coronation of King Charles III, which took place on 6 May 2023 at London’s Westminster Abbey, blended centuries-old traditions with modern innovations. In collaboration with ITN, Vodafone utilized next-generation 5G technology to broadcast this historic event globally. By dedicating an exclusive portion of its public 5G Standalone (5G SA) network to ITN, Vodafone ensured swift and secure live coverage from Westminster Abbey to ITN’s London headquarters, enabling the broadcast to reach audiences nationwide and around the world.
Rohit Sengupta, Client Sales Lead for Vodafone and responsible for 5G Core solutions at Ericsson UK, emphasized the groundbreaking nature and high stakes of 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology. He stated, “Vodafone and ITN set up the solution with two network slices defined over Ericsson’s 5G RAN and Core network. This was one of the world’s first and the UK’s first 5G SA broadcasting cases, and without a doubt, the most high-stake scenario where nothing could go wrong. We needed to deliver top-class services in capacity, low latency, and best-in-class service.”
This marks the first time a UK telecom provider has allocated a slice of its public 5G SA network for a significant event broadcast.
Smart Cities
Smart Cities are being actualized through 5G, laying the groundwork for more intelligent and efficient urban environments. 5G infrastructure promotes various avant-garde solutions, such as using real-time data for advanced traffic management systems that optimize traffic flow and minimize congestion.
In an effort to address urban network congestion, UK mobile service provider, Three, has launched an innovative project in Glasgow using Mavenir’s advanced technology. The initiative entails placing small cell units throughout the city to boost 5G coverage, especially in poor reception places.
Speaking at the Glasgow City Chambers, Three UK’s Chief Network Officer, Iain Milligan, addressed the city’s uneven 5G reception. He presented the deployment of small cells as a cost-effective solution to enhance coverage, noting that while these units are not intended to replace traditional macro sites, they offer a practical interim measure to increase network capacity.
The project started by setting up 20 cell sites in the heart of the city, with plans to expand to 51 units in the future. This effort falls in line with Glasgow’s aim: to play a role in IoT innovation and help achieve the city’s larger infrastructure objectives, such as advancing autonomous vehicles and drone technologies.
Milligan also emphasized how the project aligns with the government’s Open Networks Initiative by utilizing RAN technology in a busy urban setting—a unique use for cities. Mavenir leads the way by supplying hardware and software for these cells with a diverse approach involving multiple vendors instead of the usual single-vendor solutions.
Everyday Life
The benefits of 5G for everyday consumers are both material and profound. Quicker download and upload times lead to streaming movies, browsing the web or transferring large files without waiting. This increased capacity, without lag, enables homes and businesses to be more productive, primarily in rural areas.
Vodafone has pledged to roll out 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology across rural Wales to win approval for a merger with Three UK. Research shows that 5G does not reach about half of rural Welsh properties, underlining the need for further development.
This will also see 4G coverage stretched to north of 93% by the end of the next decade, with a migration to “5G ready” planned for no sooner than 2032.
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Looking Ahead: The Road to Full Realization
As the rollout of the 5G network in the UK accelerates, the focus is shifting from large-scale deployment to finding the most effective ways to implement this next-generation technology. This entails more than simply rolling out new network coverage; it will require the creation of 5G-enabled apps if it is to endure. Such investment in infrastructure must be matched by innovative services leveraging AI software capabilities.
With its dogged determination and famous ingenuity, the UK is embarking on a journey from connectivity dreams to high-speed realities. There are issues, but the strides taken so far showcase what 5G can do. Further enhancements down the line will ensure that the UK embraces a new era.
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