Mobile operators are at the beginning of the rollout of 5G, which is more than just faster mobile internet.

5G is the next generation of mobile communications, which will underpin future connectivity including ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) technology and become a vital building block of the wider digital transformation that is taking place throughout society.

5G will unlock a number of technology developments including the provision of high-speed broadband to properties using mobile networks, particularly in areas where it is hard to deploy fibre, delivering telehealth care into people’s homes using high definition video, and supporting Agritech technologies using sensors for more sustainable crop management.

The Government is running various programmes for national investment in 5G solutions.

The Connecting Cambridgeshire programme is working with industry experts to understand more about the challenges and opportunities to accelerate 5G deployment in market towns and rural areas, and the analysis will used to inform future planning.

Commercial mobile network operators may introduce 5G services, as they have elsewhere in the UK, however the County Council has no role in the commercial operation of 5G networks which are licensed and strictly regulated by Ofcom within public health guidelines that are set by Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Read more from Ofcom here and check our FAQ page for more information.

A joint Government and Ofcom guide to 5G mobile technology, a plain English guide, gives people the facts and tackles disinformation about 5G (published August 2020).

MobileUK has also published a useful 5G local authority toolkit.