For millions of households across the UK, slow and unreliable broadband remains a daily frustration. Despite the continued rollout of full-fibre networks, around 3.7 million homes still cannot access full-fibre broadband, leaving many relying on slower connections for work, streaming, gaming and everyday life.
Now, Vodafone has announced the launch of its new 5G Broadband service, offering a flexible alternative to traditional broadband by using its expanding 5G mobile network to deliver high-speed internet directly to homes. The company says the service will allow it to provide broadband connectivity to more than 26 million UK homes when combined with its existing full-fibre footprint.
Millions Would Consider Moving for Better Broadband
The launch comes alongside new research commissioned by Vodafone, highlighting just how important reliable internet has become to modern life.
According to the study, 87% of Britons describe fast home Wi-Fi as essential, while more than 20 million adults say they would consider moving house if it meant getting access to faster and more reliable broadband.
The findings also reveal the growing impact of poor connectivity on relationships and working life:
- 20% have cut short visits to their parents because of poor internet.
- 19% have ruled out a romantic partner due to slow Wi-Fi.
- 54% would sacrifice a larger home or garden in exchange for better connectivity.
- 42% now work from home at least once a week.
Working From Home Is Driving Demand for Better Connectivity
Reliable broadband has become increasingly important in the era of hybrid working.
Vodafone’s research found that 87% of respondents consider dependable internet essential for their job, while more than half have taken work calls from unusual locations due to poor Wi-Fi signals.
Popular makeshift offices included:
- The garden (18%)
- The car (14%)
- The bathroom (11%)
Meanwhile, 53% admitted experiencing the dreaded “freeze face” during video calls when internet connections lag or drop.
Nearly one in five workers (18%) said they had effectively abandoned work for the rest of the day after suffering internet outages that rendered them unable to continue.
Simon Reeve Delivers 5G Broadband to Remote Cornwall
To highlight the connectivity challenges still faced across the country, Vodafone partnered with adventurer and broadcaster Simon Reeve for a unique campaign.
The presenter travelled across land and sea to deliver Vodafone 5G Broadband routers to residents in remote parts of Cornwall where traditional broadband options remain limited.
Reeve, who also experiences connectivity issues at home in Devon, spoke about the importance of reliable internet access:
“I’ve travelled to some of the most remote places on earth, and I know just how important it is to stay connected.”
The campaign demonstrates how fixed wireless broadband could provide an alternative solution for communities that continue to wait for full-fibre infrastructure.
What Is Vodafone 5G Broadband?
Unlike traditional broadband, Vodafone’s new service uses its 5G network instead of fixed telephone or fibre lines.
Customers receive a 5G router that can be self-installed without requiring an engineer visit or landline connection. Vodafone says the service offers speeds of up to 150Mbps depending on location, alongside unlimited data allowances. The company is also offering both 30-day rolling contracts and 24-month agreements, making the service particularly appealing for renters, students and people who move frequently.
Additional features include:
- No engineer installation required
- Unlimited data
- Next-day delivery in many areas
- Flexible contract options
- Postcode checker to determine the best available connection
For locations where outdoor 5G signals are stronger than indoor coverage, Vodafone has also introduced an outdoor hub designed to improve performance.
Vodafone Aims to Reach More Homes Than Any Other UK Provider
Vodafone says the combination of its full-fibre network and 5G Broadband service allows it to offer broadband access to more than 26 million homes and premises across the UK. Independent figures published by the company state that Vodafone currently has the UK’s largest full-fibre footprint.
A spokesperson for VodafoneThree said the new service is intended to give customers more choice, whether they live in remote rural locations or urban areas where fibre access remains unavailable.
How to Check Availability
Households interested in the service can use Vodafone’s postcode checker to see whether full-fibre or 5G Broadband offers the fastest speeds in their area.
For more information, visit: Vodafone 5G Broadband
You can also watch Simon Reeve’s broadband delivery adventure via: Vodafone UK News Centre
