Ofcom finds 70% of properties can get 5G reception

A new report by Ofcom says that seven in 10 UK properties can get a 5G reception. 

The Connected Nations 2022 report found that 70% of properties, up from about 50% 12 months ago, could get the connection with at least one mobile operator. 

Other findings in the report include that over 12 million homes across the UK now have access to full-fibre broadband after a record pace rollout of the technology. About 97% of homes can also get superfast broadband though around 27% of those have not taken up access to it yet. 

Lindsey Fussell, the Network and Communications Group Director for the regulator, said: ‘Millions more people are benefitting from faster, more reliable internet as the rapid rollout of full-fibre broadband continues. 

‘That can be particularly important at this time of year, as online shopping peaks and people stream festive favourites. It’s also encouraging to see more people in hard-to-reach areas get access to decent broadband, as work continues to connect rural communities.’

Despite the wide-ranging roll out of superfast and full-fibre broadband, Ofcom reported that almost 80,000 homes and businesses did not have access to ‘decent’ broadband, meaning downloads speeds of 10 Mbit/s and upload speeds of 1 Mbit/s. 

Ofcom’s report also breaks down findings for each of the home nations, showing that England had the lowest percentage of properties unable to access ‘decent’ broadband at 0.2% whilst Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have 1% of properties unable to utilise it. 

Northern Ireland has the widest availability of full-fibre broadband for homes at 85% whilst the other home nations all have 40-41% availability. The percentage of homes which can experience Gigabit-capable broadband was much more varied at 87% in Northern Ireland, 71% in England, 64% in Scotland and 52% in Wales. 

The government has been working to address the availability of broadband in hard to reach areas across the country since it promised to provide 85% gigabit coverage by 2025 with projects like one in Cumbria.

Photo by Baatcheet Films