The recent Ookla study of 5G speeds revealed that Three is the fastest 5G network in the UK delivering the top download speeds of 231Mbps during first half of 2021.
By comparison, other operators Vodafone, O2 and EE delivered average 5G speeds ranging between 151Mbps and 159Mbps. We can see that Three’s 5G download speed is more than 30% higher than the speeds delivered by its competitors.
However, Vodafone 5G network was the fastest network in terms of upload speeds. According to H1 2021 study by Ookla, Vodafone offered the fastest average upload speed of 19.69Mbps via its 5G network.
Here are the findings of Ookla speed tests conducted in Q1 and Q2 2021:
| Networks | Average Download speed | Average Upload speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three | 231Mbps | 13.65Mbps | 33ms |
| Vodafone | 159Mbps | 19.69Mbps | 29ms |
| O2 | 155Mbps | 11.74Mbps | 31ms |
| EE | 151Mbps | 18.42Mbps | 29ms |
We can see from the table that there is not much difference of latency levels among the operators. Lower latency levels indicate the faster speeds and better reception of mobile signal.
Currently, Three has expanded its 5G coverage to 29% of the UK population and is expected to deploy 5G in new locations in the coming years. Likewise, EE, O2 and EE are constantly adding new locations to their 5G coverage.
Three 5G has a coverage of 200 towns and cities. EE offers 5G service in more than 165 cities and towns across the UK while Vodafone 5G and O2 5G services are now available in 100+ towns & cities in the UK.
It is expected that 68% of the UK population will get access to 5G by 2025 while the geographical coverage will reach 12% by the same time.