Fibre flies as improved 5G sees record UK mobile data consumption | Computer Weekly

"As the country's mobile comms operators increase the reach and roll-out of 5G standalone networks, the UK has become a mobile data-hungry nation, with mobile users consuming nearly a fifth (18%) more mobile data than a year ago, according to research from communications regulator Ofcom. And while the 5G market was gaining huge momentum, the latest version of Ofcom's annual Connected nations report also found full-fibre networks' reach was growing strongly but that many users were not taking advantage of them."

"The study found that consumers were using over 1.2 billion GB each month, the equivalent of streaming 400 million football matches in HD, watching 315 billion TikToks, or sending 1.3 quadrillion text-only WhatsApp messages. Showing just how the UK's comms infrastructure was changing, the report revealed that while 4G still accounts for the majority of mobile data traffic, 5G data use grew by more than half (53%) in the past year."

"To keep up, mobile networks were deploying 5G standalone to provide users with a faster, better and more powerful experience. The report - which includes new and exclusive data on standalone 5G (5G SA) coverage for the first time - revealed that 83% of the UK had access to full 5G from at least one mobile network. Overall, 5G coverage outdoors is available from at least one operator in 97% of the UK - up from 95% in 2024."

Mobile users consumed nearly 18% more mobile data year-on-year, reaching over 1.2 billion GB per month — equivalent to hundreds of millions of HD streams and billions of short videos. 5G data usage increased by 53% while 4G still carried the majority of mobile traffic. Growth in fixed wireless access subscribers significantly contributed to mobile network traffic increases. Standalone 5G coverage from at least one operator now reaches 83% of the UK, with outdoor 5G available from at least one operator in 97% of locations. Full-fibre broadband availability rose to 78% of homes, but fewer than half of those with access subscribe.

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