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4G/5G Broadband: What It Is and Who It's For

10 February 2025 by Simon Gilbert

Fed Up With Slow Internet?

If you live in a rural part of Kent — or anywhere that fibre hasn't reached yet — you know the pain. Buffering videos, dropped video calls, and download speeds that make you want to cry.

What Is 4G/5G Broadband?

Instead of using a phone line or fibre cable, 4G/5G broadband uses the mobile phone network to get you online. You plug in a router, it picks up the 4G or 5G signal, and boom — internet.

Who Is It For?

  • Rural homes where fibre isn't available or keeps getting delayed
  • Caravans and holiday homes that need reliable internet
  • Businesses in areas with poor connectivity
  • Anyone fed up waiting for Openreach to sort their line out

How Fast Is It?

  • 4G: Typically 20–50 Mbps — plenty for streaming, working from home, and general use
  • 5G: Can hit 100–300 Mbps — rivalling most fibre connections

Is It Reliable?

Yes, as long as you've got a decent 4G/5G signal in your area. I check coverage from all the main networks (EE, Vodafone, Three, O2) at your specific address before recommending anything.

What About Installation?

One of the best things about 4G/5G broadband is how straightforward the setup is. There's no engineer visit, no waiting weeks for Openreach, and no digging up cables.

Most of the time it's:

  1. Router arrives (or I bring one)
  2. Position it for the best signal — sometimes near a window, sometimes with an external antenna
  3. Connect your devices — done

The whole process usually takes under an hour.

How Does It Compare to Standard Broadband?

In areas with good 4G coverage, mobile broadband is often significantly faster than old ADSL connections. Many customers who previously struggled with 2–5 Mbps see speeds of 20–50 Mbps after switching.

In areas with 5G coverage, speeds can rival fibre — sometimes reaching 200 Mbps or more.

The main variable is signal strength. That's why I always do a proper coverage check before recommending anything.

Is There a Contract?

Plans via Precious Broadband are monthly — no long-term contract. You can try it and see how it performs at your address. If it doesn't suit you, you can cancel without penalty.

How Much Does It Cost?

4G home broadband starts from £30/month with a one-off £69 setup fee. No hidden charges, no phone line needed.


If you're in Kent and fed up with slow internet, I can check your coverage for free and give you an honest answer. Find out more about 4G/5G broadband → or see the Kent broadband coverage page for location-specific information.

Want to check if it'll work for you? Get in touch →

Written by

Simon Gilbert

Hi, I'm Simon. I've been working with computers and technology for years, helping people fix problems, build websites, and grow their businesses online. Through Mad Tech Heads, I share tips, guides, and advice based on real-world experience to help make technology a little less complicated.