Why the 5G sign on your phone might not actually mean you're using 5G
New research has suggested that the 5G signal on your phone doesn't automatically mean you're getting 5G speeds.
I can't be the only one who has such an inconsistent signal that I have to stream content in 720p... in 2025.
Bad network is a nightmare, and I happen to live in an area with such s**t internet that I use it as an excuse when I don't pass the ball during a two-on-one in pro clubs.
And so, when I catch 5G at the right time, the internet speed is something I am definitely not used to.
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As reported by the BBC, PolicyTracker carried out 11,000 tests on four smartphones using four network providers in central London, Birmingham, and a village in North Lincolnshire.
According to PolicyTracker, it turns out that when the 5G logo appears on your phone, the signal can still come from 4G infrastructure.
The investigation revealed that much of the data traffic still relies on older 4G infrastructure which can lead to slower download speeds and increased buffering in areas with 'high-speed 5G performance'.
At the heart of the problem is the way mobile operators currently define what qualifies as 5G, they said.
Mobile UK, the trade association for the UK's mobile network operators, confirmed this in a statement to the BBC.
They said that when 5G is enabled, it 'dynamically and seamlessly steer customers to the best connection, whether 4G or 5G, based on real-time factors like signal strength'.
Martin Sims, from PolicyTracker, noted the extra money you might be paying for 5G is probably not worth it.
"Standalone 5G isn't worth it as it's not very good value for money because the contracts are expensive," he said.
Sims insisted that the infrastructure still isn't great in big cities and that 'you're more likely to get better service in busy areas like train stations'.
Consumer expert, Jasper Griegson from the complaints service Resolver, added to the outlet that customers should know what they're getting themselves into.
"You think you're getting one thing but you're not and accuracy is key," he said. "The consumer rights act has very strict rules about how accurate things have to be in other contexts, so why does that differ here?"
You can download a speed test app on your phone to check how fast your download and upload speeds are.
If the speeds are lower than promised, contact your network provider to see what's going on.
Mobile UK told LADbible Group in a statement: "When you choose a plan with our members, you're not just buying '5G'; you're buying a connection to the mobile networks.
"The mobile service is designed to give customers the most reliable connection by automatically connecting their device to the best technology available at any moment.
"The core of the mobile plans is seamless connectivity, not connection to a specific technology.
"Customers phones and the mobile networks simply work together to keep you connected using the strongest signal possible."
Topics:Â Phones, iPhone, Technology
Anish Vij