Mobile 5g Data for the home incoming. Beginning of the end for fixed line ISP's?

darkovo

I'm interested in seeing what other people think.


I can't help but wonder is this the end for traditional home broadband suppliers.
Granted, fixed line internet is currently the most reliable, some homes will always be incapable of a reliable connection, but many will go mobile only due to flexibility and cost.


I'm looking forward to 5g to be introduced, the data speeds are crazy fast.
4g also being pretty fast for those that get a good connection currently.



Three mobile has just introduced Unlimited 4g data plans for just £20 a month, tethering allowed. Other mobile operators are sure to follow suit, prices are coming down for many high data plans on all networks.



All you need is a home router with a SIM card slot and you're good to go, or setup a hotspot on your mobile for your other devices.



It's better for the consumer, but we're sure to see some ISP's closing doors in the next few years.



I've moaned about my ISP KCOM previously, they've now finally introduced unlimited data on new packages, most likely forced by incoming competition from mobile operators, as well as a "weaker-than-expected trading" due in-part to "continued customer churn" - competition is hotting up!
I'm likely to go with a new package from KCOM next month due to unlimited data, it's a 12 month contract, after which mobile 5g may well be the way I go if available in my area?!

THE_Terry_Urr

It's the beginning of the end IMHO.

4G still isn't great coverage everywhere and though prices are down & more providers offer big data bundles cheaply as you say, reliability still isn't on a par with fixed-line. Though I think many of the younger generations especially rely upon their mobile far more now & that includes data.

Things would need to improve considerably for any mobile data offering available in my locality to compete with fixed-line and I know lots of places where the same applies. That said I've even seen complaints about poor or variable mobile data connections in our major cities so give it a few years & ask again would be my personal opinion.

boliston

can't see any advantage of 5g over fibre - especially once gfast is readily available - it might be of use to a few people a long way from their local cabinet

Mister_G

I must admit, I think it will be a long time (maybe never?) before either 4G or 5G can offer the unlimited data that you get with a hard wired connection.

[Deleted User]

Mister_G wrote: »

I must admit, I think it will be a long time (maybe never?) before either 4G or 5G can offer the unlimited data that you get with a hard wired connection.

Yep, anyone thinking they're moving to an affordable and reliable unlimited 5G deal in 12 months is dreaming.

Marvqn1

Mister_G wrote: »

I must admit, I think it will be a long time (maybe never?) before either 4G or 5G can offer the unlimited data that you get with a hard wired connection.

Three already offer unlimited data on 4G.

darkovo

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

Yep, anyone thinking they're moving to an affordable and reliable unlimited 5G deal in 12 months is dreaming.

Maybe 24 months then
Either way, ISP's will have more competition than they've ever had and the squeeze may be enough to kill some off?

darkovo

Marvqn1 wrote: »

Three already offer unlimited data on 4G.

I think he means the reliability of a hard wired connection, I agree mobile can never be as reliable, but for many customers the price point will be the deciding factor and the odd low signal or loss of signal issue won't put them off ditching the hard wire option.

Mister_G

Marvqn1 wrote: »

Three already offer unlimited data on 4G.

Well, nearly

From 3's Ts & Cs

That’s why we’ve set a usage cap at 1,000 GB, in order to identify commercial use of the service, for example, which is not permitted under the Terms for Three Services.

I appreciate that 1000GB is an awful lot!:)

Mister_G

darkovo wrote: »

I think he means the reliability of a hard wired connection, I agree mobile can never be as reliable, but for many customers the price point will be the deciding factor and the odd low signal or loss of signal issue won't put them off ditching the hard wire option.

Indeed. Certainly in many rural areas of the UK 4G is currently virtually non-existent.

boliston

Mister_G wrote: »

Well, nearly

From 3's Ts & Cs

That’s why we’ve set a usage cap at 1,000 GB, in order to identify commercial use of the service, for example, which is not permitted under the Terms for Three Services.

I appreciate that 1000GB is an awful lot!:)

They should NOT be allowed to advertise a capped service as 'unlimited' - I'm surprised this type of advert is not banned.