Three UK to switch on 5G in August, starting with home broadband
Three is the third UK network to announce its 5G launch date.
Three will start its 5G rollout with a router.
Three became on Monday the third UK network to announce its 5G launch plans.
Three will flick the switch on its 5G in August, promising mobile coverage in 25 cities by the end of the year. Its initial offering, though, will consist of a broadband-only product.
The network's home broadband will be available only to Londoners at first and will consist of a plug-and-play router. Three claims speeds will be comparable to fiber broadband.
As well as offering better speeds, 5G will bring other benefits to customers, including more consistent coverage in busy areas. Beyond mobile internet, it will allow for the growth of new technologies, including autonomous vehicles, seamless smart homes and souped-up gaming and VR experiences.
EE was the first UK carrier to switch on its 5G last month, and the network is now live in select areas of six UK cities. Vodafone is set to follow with its own launch on July 3.
Of the four major UK networks, this now leaves O2 as the only carrier yet to announce a 5G launch date. But it's important to remember that there's more to 5G than just being first to launch.
It will take some time before all the carriers solidly establish their networks and can provide coverage that will make 5G worth the upgrade. In the meantime, you can at least peruse 5G phones.