Vodafone mobile broadband deals

What is 5G mobile broadband?

5G mobile broadband is essentially a 5G connection that you can share with any internet enabled device, wherever you happen to be.

It’s powered by a mobile router or dongle which connects to a 5G network (in this case Vodafone’s) and broadcasts the signal to other devices as a Wi-Fi network.

If you get a 5G mobile broadband router it will be battery powered, so you don’t need to plug it in and you can use it anywhere, such as when on a train or in a café or a hotel. There will need to be a 5G signal in the area to make the most of it, but if there’s not one then it will fall back to 4G or 3G, so you’ll still be able to get connected.

Whatever signal type you’re on, it will be more secure than a public Wi-Fi network, and if you’re on 5G then it will in most cases be much, much faster too.

Why choose a Vodafone mobile broadband contract?

Vodafone has widespread and rapidly growing 5G coverage, so you can be confident that you’ll get 5G in a large and ever-growing number of locations if you choose a Vodafone 5G mobile broadband plan.

Plus, with Vodafone you can choose from a range of data allowances, right up to unlimited data, and from a range of contract lengths, so you’re sure to find a plan that suits your needs.

5G is available at no extra cost too – it simply comes as standard.

What 5G mobile broadband devices does Vodafone offer?

Vodafone sells the Vodafone 5G Mobile Hotspot. This is a top-tier mobile broadband router with a lot going for it. The device includes a 4,500mAh battery, delivering up to eight hours of life, and it can get up to 32 devices connected to the internet at the same time.

Plus, it has a 2.4-inch touchscreen, making it simple to control, and it supports WiFi 6 as well as 5G. All that, and it’s compact enough to fit in a large pocket or a small bag.

Should I get mobile broadband or home broadband?

Whether you should get mobile broadband or home broadband really depends on whether you primarily want internet for your home or for when you’re not at home.

While 5G mobile broadband can replace a home broadband connection, it’s not really designed for it, so a 5G home broadband device (which is designed to be permanently turned on and often supports more simultaneous connections) is a better fit.

But 5G home broadband needs to be plugged in, so it’s much less useful as something to take with you when you’re out and about.

Can I get unlimited data with Vodafone 5G mobile broadband?

Yes, Vodafone offers 5G mobile broadband with unlimited data. Go for that and you never need to worry about using up your allowance. This is a great choice if you plan to use mobile broadband a lot or expect to connect a lot of devices to it, but cheaper plans with limited data are also available if you don’t expect to be a heavy user.

How fast is Vodafone’s 5G mobile broadband?

The Vodafone 5G Mobile Hotspot theoretically supports download speeds of up to 3.8Gbps, however that’s far faster than you can expect from any 5G network currently.

In reality, you should expect average speeds more in the range of 100-200Mbps (which still has most fibre broadband beat), with peak speeds likely in the region of 1Gbps.

Which other networks offer 5G mobile broadband?

At the time of writing, EE is the only other network to offer 5G mobile broadband. It too sells a mobile broadband router on plans with up to unlimited data, so coverage is the main differentiating factor. It’s worth using each network’s coverage checker to see if they have 5G where you most need it.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I want 5G mobile broadband?

If you ever find yourself making use of public Wi-Fi – or wishing that there was a Wi-Fi network available – when out and about, then 5G mobile broadband is for you.

It enables you to get laptops and other devices connected to the internet almost anywhere – there just needs to be a mobile data signal. It’s also more secure than public Wi-Fi, typically much faster (especially if you’re connected to 5G), and it avoids the hassle of having to register or pay, as you often do with public Wi-Fi networks.

How many devices can I get online with Vodafone’s 5G mobile broadband?

Vodafone’s mobile broadband router (dubbed the Vodafone 5G Mobile Hotspot) can get up to 32 devices online at the same time. That’s a limit that realistically most people are never likely to reach.

What if I don’t have a 5G signal?

If you’re somewhere where you can’t get a 5G signal then Vodafone’s 5G mobile broadband will default to the best available signal, which in most cases will be 4G. So you can still get your devices online, and with a decent 4G connection the speed will still be quite fast, just not as good as 5G.