5G in practice: demystifying 5G
21 August 2025
Reading time: 4 minutes
5G has been one of the most talked about advances in telecoms – and for good reason. It provides faster connections.
It supports smart devices and new technology like self-driving vehicles. This is a big step forward. But for many business leaders, figuring out where 5G actually fits into their operations is still an open question.
The UK’s 5G rollout is steadily picking up pace. Ofcom’s Connected Nations report says that outdoor 5G coverage in England now reaches 92-96% of premises. This is one of the highest rates in the UK (Ofcom, 2023). While some other countries have moved faster, UK operators are investing heavily to close the gap.
The recent £11 billion merger between Three UK and Vodafone is expected to further acceerate 5G infrastructure investment across the country. This will provide wider and more reliable coverage to more regions. For businesses, that means more chances to explore what 5G can do as the infrastructure builds out.
The real story
5G was designed to make connections faster and more reliable. This helps tools like smart infrastructure and remote healthcare to become more effective and practical.
Rollout timings have varied across the industry, but the foundations are largely in place - and performance is improving. For many organisations, the real change is just starting. Coverage is growing, and 5G is beginning to power more everyday tools.
The potential is starting to show. Early signs are already visible in areas like manufacturing and logistics, where 5G is starting to prove its value. Other applications are still emerging as the technology continues to find its footing.
Where 5G is working
5G might not be everywhere just yet, but it’s already proving its worth in practice.
In manufacturing, private 5G networks are purpose-built, on-site. 5G mobile networks give firms more control over performance and security. They help teams monitor operations more closely. These setups may go unnoticed, but early users are experiencing better machine-to-machine communication. They also see faster fault detection and fewer dropouts.
In rural areas of the UK, coverage hasn’t always been consistent. Pilot projects like RuralFirst and 5GRIT are showing what’s possible. These trials are getting people connected. They’re also testing how smart farming tools and tourism apps can work in places that have often been left out.
In logistics, there’s a pilot project called the 5G Connected and Automated Logistics (5G CAL) in Sunderland. This project looks at how 5G technology can make freight movement more efficient. Researchers equipped an electric 40-tonne HGV with sensors, cameras and remote driving systems. The 5G connection allows control to shift seamlessly between the truck’s on-board systems and a remote operator.
Early trials on a private route between Vantec and the Nissan plant showed improved safety responses and more reliable communication. Still in the pilot phase, the project points to a future where 5G supports more efficient freight movement (Sunderland Smart City, 2024). While those examples show 5G delivering results, some areas are still coming together more slowly.
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Where 5G is headed next
Some of the more ambitious ideas, like connected city infrastructure and interactive consumer tech, are in early trial phases. The rollout is still facing hurdles. Upfront costs and the complexity of weaving new systems into old ones is slowing progress.
The UK’s smart lighting project received £1.3 million in funding. This was matched by £2.7 million from six local authorities. The goal is to see how street light infrastructure could support EV charging and mobile coverage (SIPP, 2023). These smart lampposts are expected to improve connectivity in dozens of towns and cities.
Meanwhile, Manchester’s Triangulum programme took a practical approach to cleaner energy. It tested how solar panels, sensors and battery storage could work together. The goal was to power a low-carbon grid along the Oxford Road Corridor. Early estimates suggest it could cut CO₂ emissions by around 57,000 tonnes a year. This is the same as taking 12,000 cars off the road (Cambridge MC, 2024).
Autonomous vehicle projects like CAVForth and the Cambridge Connector are also underway. They show how 5G can help make transport safer and more responsive transport. These trials are putting the technology through its paces. They're offering a glimpse into how driverless systems might slot into everyday transport (Telecoms, 2024).
The bigger picture
5G might not have reshaped everything overnight, but its impact is already being felt across a growing number of industries.
The real shift is happening steadily. It is less visible in headlines and more on factory floors, in logistics hubs, and across remote field operations.
More and more businesses are starting to see how 5G can help them move faster or work in ways that weren’t possible before.
Most teams should focus on where 5G is already proving useful: tracking equipment in real time, or giving mobile staff quicker access to the information they need. In many cases, it’s already delivering clear value.
With strong infrastructure in place and more use cases coming to life, it’s a good time to think about where 5G could give your business the edge.
Thinking ahead
- Find the gaps. Check where connectivity, speed, or reliability are still holding your teams back. These are likely your best candidates for early 5G wins.
- Start small, but start somewhere. A pilot doesn’t have to be flashy. Pick a single site, workflow, or team where 5G could make a visible impact.
- Talk to your tech leads early. The sooner your commercial and technical teams align on the ‘why’ of 5G, the easier it’ll be to get buy-in - and results.