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What is 5G?

5G is the newest, fastest mobile network.
It’s the next step in mobile technology to keep you connected.
And it’s live on giffgaff. Game on.

How fast is 5G?

5G speeds will depend on a few things, like how close you are to a 5G mast, what the network coverage is like in the area, and how many people around you are on 5G.

But we can tell you is that with full 5G coverage our very own content guru Amy downloaded a one-hour episode of “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” in 17 seconds. And that when our tech wizard Steve tracked down a 5G tower he was able to download an episode of “Doctor Who”. In. Three. Seconds.

“5G opens the door to speeds I’ve never experienced with 4G”

gioscot2, giffgaff member

17 Seconds

Time it took us to download an
hour-long TV show on 5G

What are the benefits of 5G?

When 5G is running on full power, you’ll be able to download a HD film in seconds on your way home. Enjoy crystal clear video calls with your nearest and dearest on the other side of the world. Count on a connection that’s as reliable as your best friend at primary school, even when you’re at Glastonbury or shopping till you drop at your local shopping centre.

Gaming will never have been so good. Streaming will never have been so streamy. Lagging and lost connections will never have been so last year.

a mobile phone with video calling users displayed

Experience conference calls with no laggy connections or interruptions on the go

a video game on a phone

Full HD or 4K streaming on the go

a woman using a VR headset

VR and 360° gaming

a laptop and a mobile phone

Superfast tethering to laptops

Where is 5G?

a map of Britain

5G is being rolled out across the country. 5G towers are being installed by some wonderful folks in bright yellow vests as we speak. Right now you’re likely to find it around business hubs as well as entertainment and sports venues in big cities. It’s just a matter of time before it makes its way towards you.

“I got absurdly fast speeds when I was smack bang in the middle of a 5G hotspot in Shoreditch. It was crazy!!”

letrekk, giffgaff member

Check out 5G locations on giffgaff’s network coverage checker.

Check 5G coverage

5G on giffgaff. How to get started

5G is available with all our plans. To get on 5G, here’s what you’ll need:

  1. 5G-ready phone

    You might need to enable 5G in your settings and make sure your phone software is updated.

  2. 5G-Coverage

    See where 5G is live on our network coverage checker.

  3. A giffgaff SIM

    Order your free SIM. It’ll arrive within 2 business days.

    Order your free SIM


    Once you've activated your SIM, pop into your account settings to turn on 5G.

FAQs

  • 4G vs 5G?
    5G is much faster than 4G. It’s not just about superfast speeds though. 5G has the power to provide seamless streaming, near-instant access to the internet, and seriously reduced lagging. What’s lagging? It’s that lack of keeping the pace, like a dawdling child, or in this case, a device that’s a few seconds behind you.
  • How will 5G make life better?
    Network improvements will have a positive impact on the way people live, work and play all over the world. Think of a future with self-driving cars. With remotely assisted heart surgery by a surgeon in Seattle. With smart factories and smart cities.
  • Is 5G safe?

    We’re excited about the benefits 5G will bring to our members, but we understand there are some questions being asked about the impact on our health.

    The WHO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommend that governments adopt the radio-frequency exposure limits developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In the UK, the government has adopted these exposure limits developed by ICNIRP and mobile network operators are required to operate within these guidelines.

    If you want to know more you can visit the World Health Organization.