Most Australians are excited about 5G
With 5G dominating the tech news cycle, there are many questions floating around. One of the most common is where 5G coverage is available in Australia. After all, why rush to purchase a 5G device if you won’t be able to take advantage of the speedy wireless network technology?
Right now, all of Australia’s major telcos offer 5G to some extent. Vodafone fell behind the whole of last year, but have recently joined the 5G race by turning on their first 5G site in Parramatta last week. Telstra and Optus, on the other hand, began switching on 5G last year, and have made considerable progress as a result.
5G is an exciting technology in itself. Over the past couple of years, the anticipation behind the technology has continued to build, and we now have the ability to see what it’s all about. 5G handsets are now available, as well as WiFi devices for home and on-the-go 5G usage. The options continue to grow and the technology continues to roll out, but there’s still plenty left to do – a truly nationwide coverage won’t be the case until a a couple of years to come.
But none of this stops the excitement. While Australian consumers and telcos grow increasingly frustrated with the NBN, 5G’s promised speeds are becoming more and more attractive. A recent survey showed 57% of Australians are excited about the technology. So where exactly can you use 5G right now?
In this post, we’ll tell you about current mobile 5G and home broadband 5G coverage in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane.
What happens if there’s no 5G coverage in your area?
If you purchase a 5G device, you’ll only be able to use 5G networks in select areas. As stated, while all three major networks offer 5G to some extent, we’re a long way from truly nationwide 5G coverage.
If you have a 5G device and your network offers 5G service, you’ll be able to use their 5G network until you move out of a 5G coverage area. When you leave a 5G coverage area, your network will automatically switch to 4G or 3G.
5G coverage in Australia’s major cities
To find out if 5G is available in your area, check out Optus’ coverage maps and Telstra’s coverage maps. Here’s a look at current 5G coverage in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane.
Sydney
You’ll find 5G coverage from Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone scattered throughout New South Wales, but the larger coverage areas are in Sydney.
- Optus has both mobile and home broadband 5G coverage in parts of Central Sydney, North Shore, Northwest Sydney, and Southwest Sydney.
- Telstra also has 5G coverage in parts of Sydney.
- Vodafone only has coverage in Parramatta, so far.
Melbourne
You’ll find 5G coverage scattered throughout Victoria from both Optus and Telstra, but most of that coverage is in Melbourne.
- Optus has both mobile and home broadband 5G coverage in parts of Melbourn East, Melbourn West, and Melbourne Southeast.
- Telstra also has coverage in several parts of Melbourne.
- Vodafone doesn’t yet have coverage anywhere in Victoria.
Adelaide
5G coverage is also available in parts of South Australia, but Adelaide currently has the most coverage areas.
- Optus has both mobile and home broadband 5G coverage in parts of Adelaide South and Adelaide North.
- Telstra also has 5G coverage in parts of Adelaide.
- Vodafone doesn’t yet have 5G coverage anywhere in Adelaide.
Perth
You’ll also find 5G coverage scattered throughout Western Australia, mostly concentrated in Perth.
- Optus has both mobile and home broadband 5G coverage in parts of Perth.
- Telstra also has 5G coverage in parts of Perth.
- Vodafone doesn’t yet have 5G coverage anywhere in Adelaide.
Brisbane
5G is available in parts of Queensland, with Brisbane getting the most coverage.
- Optus has both mobile and home broadband 5G coverage in a few parts of Brisbane, Brisbane North, and Brisbane West.
- Telstra also has 5G coverage in parts of Brisbane.
- Vodafone doesn’t yet have 5G coverage anywhere in Queensland.
Final words
As 5G continues to roll out, each telco’s coverage are will expand. Vodafone has targeted 650 sites in seven cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast) to be turned on this year, beginning mid-year. Telstra already has 5G coverage in 32 cities, targets 35 cities by the end of the year, and has already connected over 100,000 5G devices to its network. While 5G isn’t yet full rolled out, major cities throughout Australia already have access. Check out each of the telcos’ websites to find out if your area has 5G coverage.