4G and 5G home broadband: is it any good?
How it works
You plug in a mobile broadband router. It connects to the nearest mast and creates a WiFi network at home. No engineer, no phone line.
Typical speeds
- 4G: often 10–50Mbps, varying through the day.
- 5G: often 100–300Mbps with strong signal, sometimes more.
Pros
- Set up in minutes, easy to move home with.
- Shorter contracts are common.
- Can beat slow copper lines.
Cons
- Speeds depend on signal and how busy the mast is.
- Higher latency and more variation than fibre, so not ideal for competitive gaming.
- Some plans have fair use limits.
Who it suits
Renters, students, short stays, homes waiting for full fibre, and rural homes with strong 5G coverage. It also makes a great backup line for home businesses, which is why Cooper offers 4G backup as a business add-on.
Tips
Check mobile coverage for your exact address, place the router near a window facing the mast, and look for plans you can return within the first 14 days if speeds disappoint.
Let Cooper find your match
Answer a few quick questions and see the deals that reach your address.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5G home broadband better than fibre?
It can beat copper and FTTC lines with good signal, but full fibre is faster, more consistent and lower latency.
Is 4G home broadband unlimited?
Many plans are unlimited, but some have fair use policies. Check before you buy.
Can I use 4G broadband as a backup?
Yes. A 4G backup router can take over automatically if your main line fails, which is popular with home businesses.