5G

All iD Mobile services runs on Three’s network, and they’re building the UK’s fastest 5G network!

To provide a true 5G network you need 100MHz of 5G ‘spectrum’ (the bandwidth networks need to send and receive data). Three have 140MHz and are the only UK network to have that much. The next closest (Vodafone) has 90MHz with O2 and EE offering 80MHz.

With more than double the spectrum, Three’s 5G network will be faster and able to handle more data – good news for iD Mobile customers!

Absolutely. 5G is available for free for all iD Mobile customers!

To enjoy lightning-quick 5G, you need a phone that can support it. Many big-name brands have already released 5G devices, including Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Huawei and LG, with more expected to launch later this year.

There is a list available here of officially supported phones guaranteed to work on iD Mobile's 5G network. If your phone is not on the list, there's no need to worry. We're working to officially roll out 5G to as many phones as possible over the coming months.

As well as a 5G enabled device that is officially supported by iD Mobile (see above), you’ll need to be in an area covered by our 5G network. You can check if your area has 5G by using our network coverage checker.

If your 5G enabled android phone is supported by iD Mobile's 5G network, you should automatically connect when in a 5G area.

If your phone does not connect to 5G, please check the following:

• Check that the device software is up to date - You can do this by checking your phone settings.
• Check that 5G is enabled on your phone - this varies depending on what device you have, but here's a quick guide on how to check:

Samsung:

• Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode > select (5G/4G) (Auto Connect)

Huawei:

• Go to Settings > Mobile network > Select Mobile data > Enable 5G

Once you've done the above, you might need to give your phone a quick restart by turning it off and on again.

5G on iD is now available on the iPhone 12 range; this includes the iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max.

If your phone does not connect to 5G when in an area covered by our 5G network, please check the following:

1. Check that the device software is up to date by navigate to your phone settings.
2. Check that 5G is enabled on your phone:
• Navigate to Settings:
• Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Select 5G Auto

Once you've done the above, you might need to give your phone a quick restart by turning it off and on again.

The most significant difference you’ll see when you switch from 4G to 5G is speed. You’ll be able to do everything you do now, but much faster! Where 4G had a maximum download speed of 300Mbps, 5G can achieve an impressive 10Gbps! So, you can download a movie as you run for the train, enjoy perfect video calling when you’re out and about and email large attachments while you work on the go.

However, 5G isn’t a replacement for 4G. It’s an extra layer on top that provides an even better network. So, where you can’t get 5G, you’ll still get a great 4G service to keep you connected.

5G doesn’t use any more data than 4G. However, as it’s so much faster, you may find yourself using your phone (and therefore data) more. A more generous data plan would allow you to take full advantage of what 5G has to offer.

Unfortunately, 5G requires a 5G enabled phone for you access it. But don’t worry! We’re working with our network provider to ensure our 4G services are providing the best coverage possible. And don’t forget we already offer Wi-Fi Calling, letting you make calls from your phone over Wi-Fi if you don’t have great reception indoors.

5G connectivity comes free on all iD Mobile plans. As long as you have a 5G-compatible phone, you can enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds and reliable connectivity in select countries outside of the UK. Here's a list of countries where you can connect to 5G networks.