By Emma Lewis, bOnline
Many small UK business owners, especially freelancers and other sole traders, need the ability to work from anywhere. Whether it’s out on the road, on a beach, or half way up a mountain, a big advantage to being your own boss is the chance to work remotely. And with the landline shutdown fast approaching, now is a great time to make the switch.
While the UK has generally very good 5G coverage, there are still some areas that are much better than others. And if you run your business using 5G mobile broadband, it’s even more important to know where the best (and worst) blackout spots are likely to be.
What Is 5G Mobile Broadband?
5G mobile broadband basically means you can get online to work from almost anywhere, even in places without a traditional internet connection. The main thing that’s needed is strong 5G mobile signal to make it work.
It’s essentially a high-speed wireless internet service that uses fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks to deliver fast and reliable connectivity. It works through a SIM-enabled router or mobile device, allowing you to access the internet on the go with no need for a fixed line.
Top UK Cities for 5G Coverage
So where can you find the best 5G coverage for working remotely? Here are some of the top hotspots:
Birmingham
Birmingham leads the UK in 5G coverage, with extensive deployment across the city. The West Midlands region, including Birmingham, has been recognised for having the best 5G coverage in the UK, according to an independent study by umlaut. This makes it an ideal location for remote work, offering fast and reliable mobile connectivity.
London
As the capital, London boasts comprehensive 5G coverage, especially in central areas like Canary Wharf and Westminster. All major networks provide extensive coverage, ensuring strong mobile signals for remote workers.
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Manchester
Manchester offers excellent 5G coverage, supported by multiple service providers. The city’s vibrant economy and tech scene make it an ideal location for anyone wanting reliable mobile connectivity.
Newcastle
Newcastle provides impressive 5G download speeds offering speeds of up to 124Mbps. This makes it one of the top cities for mobile data performance in the UK.
Bristol
Bristol also ranks highly for 5G speeds, with users enjoying download speeds of 121Mbps. This makes it a great choice for working on the go.
Oxford
Oxford has recently received a significant 5G speed boost, thanks to the deployment of a citywide small cell network. This enhancement, supported by Vodafone and other partners, aims to deliver faster and more reliable 5G connectivity across the city.
I Run A Small Business. How Can I Get 5G Mobile Broadband?
If you run a small business and want the flexibility of working from anywhere, 5G mobile broadband could be a great fit. Getting started is pretty straightforward; many major mobile providers in the UK offer 5G mobile broadband plans specifically designed for business use.
When choosing a plan, think about how much data you’ll need every month and whether you want your broadband to travel with you or stay at a particular location.
Getting set up is usually really quick and simple. For example, with bOnline, you’ll be sent a Nextgen Plug & Play router that’s already pre-loaded with a SIM. So you literally plug it in yourself (no engineer visits!) and away you go. The speeds are good too at up to 300Mbps, so surfing and streaming are no problem.
If you or your team works in different locations, having a few portable 5G routers can also keep everyone connected. Some providers even offer business support, priority service or flexible contracts – handy if you’re scaling up or just getting started. It’s all about choosing a setup that suits your way of working.