You may have heard of 5G already, and you may be wondering if you should consider upgrading. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

A history Of Gs

Fifth generation wireless technology (5G) is the latest iteration for cellular data networks. The first generation of wireless tech came in the 1980s, with analogue networks. Then the 1990s brought the massive breakthrough of cellular networks (ask a Gen Xer what a big deal that was!); and the 2000s introduced a third generation: mobile Internet. The 2010s introduced 4G, with fast broadband mobile Internet; and now the 2020s have blessed us with a fifth generation, or 5G.

The Dynamic Ability Of 5G

Engineered to increase speed and responsiveness, 5G allows every person, object and device to be connected virtually. If you have a home or office with many devices connected, 5G promises a seamless and uninterrupted experience on each device. That means that if your roommate is streaming Love Is Blind in HD while your other roommate holds a work call on Teams, you won’t have to worry about lag in your streaming game of Valorant.

So… should you switch to 5G? We’ll let you decide, but do remember that it also depends on whether your smartphone allows you to switch. If it does, then we can definitely influence your decision by sharing some interesting facts about 5G’s record-breaking speeds.

Up To 10 Times Faster Than The Previous G

5G speeds can vary and depend on multiple factors, like how far away you are from a mast, which spectrum is being used, and how many people around you are using 5G. But in most scenarios, 5G is around 10 times faster than 4G. While 4G offers average speeds of 23 to 35 Mbps, 5G hits average speeds of 150 to 200 Mbps (peaking above 1 Gbps).

At that speed, buffering and lag aren’t an issue – so you can stream whatever you want to, uninterrupted. The real-time connectivity means that you can make the most of Cloud-based and remote services, and achieve the smart living set-up you’ve been dreaming of.

Don’t Believe the 5G Scaremongers

Some online conspiracy theories have questioned the safety of 5G. Don’t believe the trolls. 5G is safe to use. Following years of detailed scientific research, government legislation and international guidelines, Vodacom is fully compliant with all national and international electromagnetic frequency regulations.

Vodacom offers 5G deals for home users and for businesses. You’ll have a choice of a wide variety of flexible options, with instant access so there’s no fuss about installation. Once you’re up and running, you’ll be able to connect up to 64 devices quickly and easily. (So that’s your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, laptop, and still another 60 gadgets!) 5G has the capability to deliver up to 1 000 times more capacity, no matter how many people are trying to access the network.

Vodacom already offers 5G coverage in all major metros, along with a growing number of South Africa’s little big towns, from Musina to Mahikeng, Kokstad, Upington, and more. Check Vodacom’s 5G Coverage Map to see if you’re covered.