- Fibre broadband is delivered using in-ground fibre-optic cables. In some areas, copper cabling is used for part of the journey.
- 4G/5G internet is delivered using wireless technology, just like how your mobile phone gets online.
The main differences between the two types of technology are:
- Setup process: 4G/5G internet is easier to get online with. Rather than needing an engineer visit, your provider will send you a 4G or 5G router in the mail, along with a SIM card. All you normally need to do is insert the SIM card in the router, plug it in, and turn it on. Sometimes there may be an external antenna to install as well, but you will be informed of this ahead of time when buying.
- Cost: 4G/5G internet is often cheaper than fibre broadband, depending on the providers being compared.
- Speeds: fibre broadband is faster than 4G/5G, assuming you can get full fibre connectivity at your address. However, 4G or 5G internet can be faster in rural locations with poor fixed-line broadband connectivity.
- Latency: fibre broadband usually has a lower latency than 4G/5G internet.
- Flexibility: 4G/5G internet is much more flexible, in that you can usually take the router and use it anywhere you’d like in the UK that has 4G or 5G signal, for example when travelling.
- Data limits: fibre broadband plans no longer have monthly data limits, but 4G/5G internet deals sometimes do (though this is becoming less common).
- Providers: fibre broadband is typically sold by ISPs such as BT or Sky, while wireless internet is offered by mobile networks such as Three and EE. There are also fixed wireless access providers that have built their own wireless broadband networks in certain areas as well.
- Return policies: 4G/5G internet deals are unique in that they often come with more flexible return policies or money-back guarantees, so that you can see what the speeds are like at your address before committing to the length of the contract.
Ultimately, if you find a 4G/5G internet plan that looks like a good fit, we would recommend trying it, as long as:
- You do not play extremely competitive online games and need a very low latency.
- You are getting enough monthly data for your needs (ideally unlimited data).
In rural/remote areas without full fibre broadband, 4G/5G is often the best way to get a fast (or at least usable) internet connection at home.