Apple’s latest iPhone and iPad models support 5G, but what exactly is it? Of course, 5G is a term for the fifth generation of the mobile network, but what use is that to you as a consumer?
5G is available in the Netherlands via Vodafone, KPN, Odido, Simyo, Simpel, Youfone, Hollandsnieuwe and Ben. To help you get started, we have taken a closer look at the ‘future of the mobile internet’ and discuss some points about 5G. For example, we list the advantages and disadvantages of what you can expect from such a super-fast mobile internet connection.
What is 5G?
5G is known for its extremely high speed (for example 1 Gbit/s) and reliability. In addition, you can send more data via 5G and the network ensures that the battery life of your smartphone decreases less quickly. Thanks to the greater bandwidth, the delay of the network is limited, making 5G perfect for robots, self-driving cars, drones, VR technology, doctors can remotely operate medical robots and more.
Another advantage of 5G is that it uses beamforming, which is a technique in which the wireless signal focuses on a specific device. Unlike 4G, the 5G network signal focuses on the connected devices and can ‘track’ them by determining their exact position. The antenna recognizes your device better and can therefore establish a more stable and targeted wireless connection to exchange data.
Difference between 4G and 5G
5G is the fifth generation of mobile technology and the successor to 4G. Compared to 4G, 5G has, among other things, faster data transfer and higher capacity. In addition, 5G internet has a shorter response time. This means, for example, that the time between clicking on an NLziet program and actually playing it will be short. You also benefit from this if you play online games via your smartphone. The last and perhaps most important advantage is that the 5G network is less affected by crowds. For example, you can continue to use the internet in busy places, festivals or a crowded station without any hitches or disruptions.
Disadvantages of 5G
Of course, 5G also has a disadvantage: the higher the frequency, speed and capacity, the less the range of the antenna. As a result, more small channels will have to be distributed to ensure coverage. This means that more and more transmitters will have to be installed in the future, for example in bus shelters and on lampposts. A 5G module will also be installed on large masts, but the range will decrease drastically because the range is less, for example trees must be 3 meters lower than the 5G module.
5G support for iPhone and iPad
5G is currently supported on the Apple devices below. Click here for an overview of all smartphones from other manufacturers.
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max or newer
- iPhone SE 3rd generation (2022)
- 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 with cellular or newer
- iPad mini 6th generation (2021) with cellular or newer
- iPad Air 5th generation (2022) with cellular or newer
- 10th generation iPad with cellular or newer
5G coverage in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, more and more telecom providers are offering 5G. You can get the highest speeds from the three largest telecom providers in the Netherlands. With smaller providers you mainly benefit from a stable network and a good fast connection. To use this technology you must have a suitable subscription and have a smartphone. Below is an overview, click on the provider name for more information:
- Vodafone: included as standard in all Red and Start subscriptions up to a maximum of 1 Gb/s
- Odido: For all customers with a subscription up to a maximum of 1 Gb/s
- KPN: included as standard in all subscriptions up to a maximum of 600 Mb/s
- Dutch new: for all customers up to a maximum of 350 Mb/s
- Ben: included as standard up to a maximum of 300 Mb/s
- Simyo: for all customers up to a maximum of 300 Mb/s
- Youfone: included as standard up to a maximum of 200 Mb/s
- Simple: for all customers up to a maximum of 150 Mb/s
Frequencies for 5G
The 5G network distinguishes between mmWave (fast, but limited in range) and sub-6GHz (less fast, but greater range). Only iPhones sold in the US can use mmWave, the rest of the world can only buy an iPhone or iPad with sub-6GHz. 5G is being rolled out worldwide under different frequencies.
The European Union has designated three frequency bands for 5G: 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz. The higher the frequency, the greater the range and speed of the 5G network. In 2024, providers will have access to the 3.5 GHz frequency. This is necessary to realize the faster 5G network.
5G Ready
The telecom providers are doing everything they can to boost their networks with 5G. Since the summer of 2024, Vodafone and Odido, among others, have offered subscriptions with a maximum download speed of 1 GB/s. Cheaper providers are more likely to use the so-called 5G-ready. The speeds are comparable to 4G+ (±300 Mb/s) but thanks to the frequency of the network, the reliability is greater. This makes more data traffic possible at the same time without loss of quality.
5G in Belgium
Of course, Belgium is also working hard on the rollout of 5G, with Hasselt being the first city to be covered by a 5G network. They do work with different frequencies there: 700MHz, 2.1GHz and 2.6GHz. Later they will also support the rollout of the EU frequencies 3.5GHz and 26GHz.
Health risks 5G
Health also plays an important role in 5G. The RIVM, numerous institutions and scientists have not been able to demonstrate that 5G radiation is harmful to health. However, it must be under one certain standard (set by the EU) remain, and this is already being closely monitored. But is electromagnetic radiation increasing? The electromagnetic fields of 5G antennas are comparable to those of 2G, 3G and 4G antennas, but in the future multiple transmitters will be required for good coverage.
The good news is that the current situation and 5G are far below the permitted radiation limits. However, it is not yet clear whether 5G will increase exposure to electromagnetic fields. This cannot yet be investigated, because 5G has not yet been rolled out on a large scale. It is suspected that the levels will remain the same as with 4G, but it is unclear what will happen if a lot of people start using it. That is why developments are closely monitored and action is taken when limits are exceeded.
The complete report You can find “Exploration of exposure to electromagnetic fields from 5G systems” by the RIVM and the Telecom Agency here back. Do you want to know how Vodafone deals with health and 5G? Then you can this extensive information page to look at.