What's 5G?

As the successor of 4G, 5G is the new, improved version of mobile data. In the future, 5G will ensure that your WiFi connection to the internet will be just as fast and secure outdoor as it is in your home. Since the spring of 2020, you can also receive 5G in the Netherlands. You do need a device with 5G support for that. Right now, there are already several 5G devices for sale. You'll also need a phone plan that supports a 5G connection.

Note: You can also use a 5G device with a 4G mobile data plan. You just won't be able to reach the higher 5G speeds.

The 3 most important improvements of 5G are a higher speed, more capacity, and lower latency. The download speed of 5G will be about 10 to 100 times faster than that of 4G. You can download the complete season of your favorite series in just a few minutes. In addition, 5G creates more room on the mobile network. That way, you'll reliable mobile internet in busy places as well, like at the train station or a festival. The lower latency (less lag between sending and receiving) is especially interesting for companies that want to use this technique, for self-driving cars for example.

Since the spring of 2020, several Dutch providers offer 5G phone plans. Currently, the 5G network is available almost everywhere in the Netherlands. The places where you can connect to the 5G network differ per provider. Check whether you can connect to 5G in your home town with your provider. It'll probably be 2024 before you can really make the most of 5G.

With a 5G device, you can already enjoy more secure and slightly faster internet. In addition, you'll be ready for the future. In 2024, you'll be able to benefit from high speeds that full-fledged 5G provides. Your device will also be worth more in the future. In the next few years, there'll be more and more smartphones and phone plans for 5G. If you want to sell or trade in your device in a year, you're better off buying a 5G device right now.