5G Symbol A Deceptive Guide

The 5G Illusion: Why Your Phone's Symbol Is a Poor Guide to Your Actual Speed

When the small ‘5G’ emblem appears on a smartphone screen, it brings an expectation of rapid internet performance. This emblem represents a technological leap promised to consumers about five years ago. Providers of mobile services presented the fifth generation of wireless technology as a revolutionary step. They pledged significantly faster downloads, flawless streaming, and instantaneous connectivity for everyone. Yet, new evidence suggests the indicator appearing on millions of devices across Britain is often not a true reflection of the service being delivered. This discrepancy raises important questions for consumers about the value of their mobile contracts and the transparency of network operators. Many people could be paying a premium for a service that their device only receives intermittently, if at all.

A Tale of Promise and Investment

The arrival of 5G was heralded as a new era for digital communication in the United Kingdom. Both telecom companies and governmental bodies poured billions of pounds into developing the necessary infrastructure. The technology promised to underpin a new wave of innovation, from autonomous vehicles to the Internet of Things. However, the rollout has faced considerable hurdles. A key challenge is the nature of 5G technology itself. Its high-frequency signals, which deliver the fastest speeds, travel over much shorter distances than previous generations. This physical limitation necessitates the installation of a far denser network of masts and antennas, a process that is both costly and time-consuming. These logistical difficulties have led to a user experience that frequently falls short of the initial, grand promises.

Uncovering the Deception

Recent investigations have shed light on the gap between perception and reality. Research conducted by the specialist group PolicyTracker has revealed a startling inconsistency. The group’s tests, which were shared with the BBC’s Morning Live programme, made a key discovery. In close to four out of every ten instances a handset shows the fifth-generation emblem, the device is, in fact, operating on a 4G link. This implies that while users see the indicator for the latest technology and could have a more expensive plan, their phones quietly continue to run at slower, 4G speeds. The findings emerged from an extensive testing regime involving 11,000 separate evaluations, providing a robust and detailed picture of the issue.

A Nationwide Analysis

The comprehensive study by PolicyTracker was not confined to a single area. To ensure a representative sample, researchers conducted tests across a diverse range of locations. They gathered data in central London's busy metropolitan environment, in a small town within North Lincolnshire, and on the periphery of Birmingham. This was done to understand the experience in varied settings. Four different smartphones were used in the analysis, each connected to one of the UK’s four main network providers. This methodical approach demonstrates that the issue is not isolated to one operator or a specific type of location. The results suggest millions of users across the country may be getting a service that is different from what their phone's interface shows.

Non-Standalone 5G: The Technical Culprit

The primary reason for this discrepancy lies in how the initial 5G networks were constructed. Most operators began their rollouts using a technology known as Non-Standalone 5G, or NSA. This approach allowed for a faster deployment because it utilised the existing 4G core network infrastructure. In an NSA setup, a smartphone can connect to a 5G radio frequency for data transmission, which causes the fifth-generation icon to appear on the screen. However, all the crucial background tasks, such as managing the connection to the network, are still handled by the 4G core. This technical shortcut meant that while the new-generation icon was visible, the full performance benefits of a true, end-to-end 5G system were often absent.

Sharing the Airwaves

Another significant factor is a technology called Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, or DSS. Network operators use DSS to run both 4G and 5G services within the same frequency band simultaneously. It acts as a traffic manager, allocating resources based on the real-time needs of the devices connected to a mast. While this is an efficient way for operators to manage their limited spectrum, it can impact user experience. If a person is in a location with 5G coverage but many other people nearby are using 4G, the network might prioritise the 4G traffic. In this scenario, your device might maintain a connection to the 5G radio, keeping the symbol visible, but the actual data speed you receive could be indistinguishable from a standard 4G service.

The Industry's Official Stance

In a statement, the trade organisation representing Britain's largest mobile companies, Mobile UK, offered an explanation. The group acknowledged that the appearance of the 5G emblem is not a confirmation of an active 5G data link. The organisation clarified that the indicator's purpose is to show a user is inside a zone with 5G coverage. Its statement explained that networks are built to move customers between the best connections fluidly and automatically. This switch depends on current conditions such as signal power and network traffic. The system autonomously selects either 4G or 5G to deliver what the carrier considers the most dependable service available.

Standalone 5G: The Real Thing

The solution to this issue is the introduction of Standalone 5G, also known as SA. Unlike its Non-Standalone predecessor, an SA network uses a dedicated 5G core for all its functions, completely independent of any 4G infrastructure. This end-to-end 5G architecture is what unlocks the technology’s full potential. It delivers not only faster and more consistent download speeds but also a significant reduction in latency. Low latency is the near-instantaneous response time that will power future technologies like remote surgery and advanced robotics. Network slicing, another key feature of SA, allows operators to create dedicated, virtual networks for specific clients, such as emergency services, guaranteeing them bandwidth.

The Gradual Transition

Despite its clear advantages, the nationwide rollout of Standalone 5G has been a slow and deliberate process. Major UK operators, including Vodafone and EE, have begun to launch SA services, but coverage remains limited. These true 5G networks are currently available primarily in select parts of major cities. The transition from NSA to SA architecture is a complex and expensive undertaking for mobile operators. It requires substantial investment in new core network hardware and software, effectively building a new network from the ground up. Furthermore, not all existing 5G-capable smartphones are compatible with SA networks, so some users must upgrade their devices to take advantage of the new technology.

An Expensive Upgrade

For consumers, accessing true Standalone 5G often comes at an additional cost. Mobile providers typically bundle this premium service into their more expensive plans. This has led experts to question its value for the average user. From PolicyTracker, Martin Sims suggested that for the average person, upgrading is not a worthwhile choice at its current stage. He points out that the high price of the contracts does not align with the current, patchy coverage. While SA service can provide a more reliable and faster connection, these benefits are most noticeable in extremely busy locations like major train stations or sports stadiums. For everyday use, the performance difference may not yet justify the higher monthly fee.

A Question of Consumer Rights

The ambiguity surrounding the fifth-generation emblem has drawn criticism from consumer advocates. Jasper Griegson, a consumer advocate with the grievance service Resolver, expressed to the BBC his belief that customers have a right to more openness from their providers. He stated that precision is vital; when people purchase a service, they should receive it. The situation creates a scenario where consumers believe they are receiving a particular product but are, in fact, being supplied with something different. Griegson highlighted that the Consumer Rights Act has stringent requirements regarding the precision of descriptions for goods and services in other sectors. He questioned why the telecommunications industry appears to operate under a different, less stringent standard, leaving customers confused about their purchases.

How to Measure Your True Speed

For those on a 5G contract who suspect they are not getting the promised performance, there are practical steps to take. The first is to check the actual internet speed. This can be done easily using one of the many reliable online tools for testing connection speeds, available as websites or smartphone apps. These services measure real-time rates for downloading and uploading information, usually in megabits every second (Mbps). Running a few tests in different locations where the phone is regularly used will give a clear picture of the performance being delivered. This data provides concrete evidence to use when assessing the service or contacting a provider with any concerns.

Mapping Your Local Service

Beyond testing speed, it is crucial to understand the quality of network coverage in a local area. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, provides an invaluable tool for this purpose. The regulator's mobile availability tool is a free online resource detailing which carriers provide the strongest 4G or 5G service in any given vicinity. By simply entering a postcode, a user can see detailed information for all major providers. The checker indicates if a 4G or 5G signal is present and describes the local signal quality as either strong or fluctuating. It also helpfully distinguishes between indoor and outdoor coverage, which can differ significantly. This allows you to identify which provider offers the most robust service where you live and work.

Engaging With Your Provider

Armed with data from speed tests and coverage checks, a user is in a strong position to get in touch with their service. If a person is not satisfied with the signal strength or speed they are receiving, it is worth explaining the problem to the customer service team. Be prepared to share the specific results gathered, including the locations and times of poor performance. A provider may be able to offer technical advice, check for local network faults, or suggest solutions to improve the connection. In some cases, if the service is consistently below the standard being paid for, it may be possible to negotiate a discount on the bill or a change to the contract terms.

The Freedom to Switch

If a person remains unhappy with their provider's service or their response to any concerns, switching to a different network may be the best course of action. For customers who are not bound by a long-term agreement, this process has become remarkably simple in the UK. The 'Text to Switch' system allows someone to request their Porting Authorisation Code, or PAC, with a single, free text message. This code can then be given to a new provider, who will handle the entire process of transferring the number and closing the old account. Before making a switch, it is essential to use the Ofcom coverage checker to ensure the new provider chosen offers better and more reliable service in the areas that matter most.

Beyond the Smartphone

The importance of genuine 5G connectivity extends far beyond faster video streaming on mobile phones. The initial vision for the technology was centred on its ability to power the next industrial revolution. Applications in the Internet of Things (IoT), such as smart city infrastructure with connected sensors managing traffic and utilities, rely on 5G's capacity to handle millions of simultaneous connections. The ultra-low latency of Standalone 5G is critical for developing technologies like remote-controlled surgical robots and autonomous vehicles, where any delay in communication could have severe consequences. The slow transition from NSA to SA networks, therefore, acts as a brake on the pace of innovation across many vital sectors of the economy.

The Rural-Urban Divide

While urban users debate the meaning of the fifth-generation emblem, many rural communities face a more fundamental problem. For vast swathes of the country, the issue is not the quality of a 5G connection but the complete lack of one. In many remote areas, even a reliable 4G signal remains an aspiration rather than a reality. Government and industry initiatives, such as the Shared Rural Network (SRN), are working to address this digital divide by compelling operators to extend their 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass. This context is important. It frames the debate around misleading 5G symbols as a distinctly urban and suburban issue, highlighting the starkly different connectivity challenges that exist across the United Kingdom.

On the Horizon: 5G-Advanced

As the rollout of Standalone 5G continues, the technology itself is already evolving. The next step in its development is known as 5G-Advanced, sometimes referred to as 5.5G. This next iteration promises to deliver even greater performance enhancements. It is designed to provide significantly faster speeds, improved reliability, and more precise positioning capabilities. Engineers are developing 5G-Advanced to better support demanding applications driven by artificial intelligence and extended reality (XR), which includes virtual and augmented reality. However, the successful implementation of these future technologies is entirely dependent on having a robust and widely available Standalone 5G network as their foundation. This makes the current transition phase all the more critical for the UK’s technological future.

The Environmental Footprint

The expansion of 5G networks also raises important environmental considerations. A denser network of masts, all consuming power, could potentially lead to an increase in the mobile industry's overall energy consumption and carbon footprint. However, the technology has also been designed with efficiency in mind. On a per-gigabyte basis, 5G networks are significantly more energy-efficient than their 4G predecessors. This means that as more data traffic shifts onto the new networks, the energy required to transmit each piece of information will fall. Operators are also increasingly investing in renewable energy sources to power their infrastructure and implementing intelligent software that can put masts into low-power modes during periods of low demand, further mitigating their environmental impact.

A Guide for the Modern Consumer

For the modern mobile user, navigating the 5G landscape requires a shift in perspective. The most important lesson is that the fifth-generation indicator on a phone's display should be seen as an indicator of possibility, not a guarantee of superior performance. Rather than focusing on the icon, consumers should pay closer attention to the real-world experience their device provides. Is a webpage loading quickly? Is a video streaming without buffering? These practical measures are a far better gauge of network quality. It is also wise to be critical of mobile plans that advertise premium "true 5G" services. Before committing to a more expensive contract, customers should verify that genuine Standalone 5G is consistently available in their area.

A Journey Towards Transparency

In conclusion, the rollout of 5G in the United Kingdom remains a complex and ongoing project. The journey from the initial, compromised Non-Standalone networks to a comprehensive, high-performance Standalone system is proving to be a gradual one. For consumers, this transition period has created confusion, with the indicator on their display often promising more than the network delivers. The path forward requires a greater degree of transparency from mobile operators. Customers deserve to know precisely what service they are purchasing and what level of performance they can realistically expect. Until that clarity is provided, the dream of ubiquitous and truly transformative 5G connectivity will remain a work in progress.