There’s a lot of buzz around 5G. Most of the time it’s heralded as the next big step forward for mobile network technology – an innovation that will eclipse its 4G predecessor and allow users to enjoy significantly faster internet speeds. But despite its growing mainstream popularity, many are still in the dark about what 5G is, let alone how fast it is compared to the current 4G standard. Here we take a good look at the 5G phenomenon, from its definition to how seamless it’s going to make your Netflix streaming.

What is 5G?

5G refers to the 5th generation of mobile data technology and is the successor to the widely used 4G that is the current standard among mobile networks.

5G represents the next stage for wireless networks with enhanced functionality and performance. Just as 4G improved upon 3G by offering substantially faster speeds through mobile broadband, taking us from mere web browsing to more intensive online activity such as high-definition streaming, 5G is slated to push the envelope once more. 

How is 5G better?

The advanced wireless technology of 5G is set to deliver: 

• Ultra-low latency
• Huge network capacity
• Superior reliability
• Significantly faster download speeds

Along with these improvements, mobile carriers are also predicting that 5G wireless networks will be able to accommodate new use cases, like the Internet of Things (IoT). 

How Fast is 5G?

Perhaps the most enticing and exciting thing about 5G is the greatly increased average speeds it promises for your wireless internet connection. But with 5G still in the process of being rolled out nationwide, it’s important to keep in mind the differences between its actual speeds and its maximum theoretical speeds. 

Theoretical Speed

In theory, 5G is potentially able to reach a maximum speed of 20 Gigabits Per Second (Gbps). This is a massive improvement over 4G’s predicted max speed of 1Gbps.

Real World Speed

Telstra has already had success in measuring 5G speeds of 3Gbps back in 2018. But generally speaking, 5G speeds in Australia sit around the 100-1000Mbps range – still a tremendous step up from 4G’s sub-100Mbps average speeds.

At MATE, the network capability of our 5G mobile plan has access to download speeds of 10Mbps up to a speed cap of 250Mbps on 5G across 75% of the population.

What Affects Your 5G Speed?

There are a few key factors that can influence how fast your 5G internet speed is, such as:

• Location 
• How many people are connected
• Network provider
• Your personal 5G device (is it 5G compatible?)

When Will I Be Able to Get 5G?

Right Now! Lucky for those who want to stay ahead of the technological curb, there are already a bunch of Australian providers who offer 5G mobile and home internet coverage. 

When it comes to yours truly, MATE uses parts of Telstra’s 5G, 4G and 3G mobile networks and our service provides 5G Coverage reaching at least 75% of the Australian population!

Get 5G with MATE!

Already have 5G coverage in your area and a 5G compatible device ready to go? Then make the switch to a MATE 5G plan!

Our 5G plans are below:

Great Mates 32GB 5G

• 32GB of mobile data per month
• 500GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

Best Mates 50GB 5G

• 50GB of mobile data per month
• 500GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

Brilliant Mates 65GB 5G

• 65GB of mobile data per month
• 1000GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

Soul Mates 150GB 5G

• 150GB of mobile data per month
• 1000GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

All on the 5G network!

For more information about 5G, you can visit our dedicated 5G mobile page.

👉  Sign-up for one of our 4G or 5G postpaid mobile plans today!

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¹ Selected plans only. 15 selected countries are not interchangeable.