Vodafone 5G could roll out next year

MOBILE and internet provider Vodafone says it plans to roll out 5G internet services across Ireland by the end of next year – provided enough compatible mobile devices are on the market.

The news – which will be welcomed in areas like Kerry where fibre broadband access remains frustratingly poor for many businesses and households – was announced last week as Vodafone launched its first 5G test site in Dublin.

The eventual roll out of 5G services should see customers able to access data speeds of up to 20 Gigabits per second. This would be around ten times faster than existing 4G networks and would be far faster than the fibre broadband speeds accessible to most businesses and domestic customers in Kerry.

Most major smartphone manufacturers have either confirmed they are working on 5G-ready handsets or are strongly rumoured to be developing the devices, and it is thought the first of these could be available next year.

As well as the easy availability of 5G devices, the rollout of 5G will also require Vodafone securing access to high-frequency broadcast bands. Access to a 700-MHz band is likely to be auctioned by the end of 2020, and this band – which requires far fewer cell towers – would allow better indoor coverage and wider rural deployment.

Both of those factors would be key to a successful rollout in Kerry. Vodafone and four other companies have already secured access to the band required for basic national 5G rollout, but successfully gaining access to the 700-MHz band would greatly improve eventual 5G coverage in rural areas.

The only real obstacle for customers, then, would be the cost of 5G devices and contracts for 5G use.