The future looks bright with 5G routers … but not just yet

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the advertisements lately, you’ve probably noticed plenty of excitement around 5G internet.

This article does not pertain to mobile phone connections, but rather home internet connections.

But the promise is tempting: fast, cable-free internet for your home, delivered through a small router that connects to the same mobile phone towers your smartphone uses.

In theory, it sounds like the ideal solution: no digging up the street for cables and no waiting around for technicians. Just plug it in and off you go.

But in my experience, 5G routers aren’t quite good enough yet to replace the reliable services most of us depend on.

Let’s start with what 5G actually is.

Think of it as the next step up from 4G – the mobile signal that powers most people’s phones.

A 5G router takes that same signal and shares it with your household devices – your computer, tablet or smart TV – just like a regular modem does with the NBN.

When everything lines up properly, it can be very quick. But that little phrase “when everything lines up” is where the reality starts to wobble.

Coverage is still patchy. Even in city areas, I often see connections dropping in and out.

Speeds can vary dramatically, depending on the time of day, how many people are using the towers or even the weather. That makes it unpredictable, which is the last thing you want if you’re halfway through a video call with the grandkids or streaming a favourite show.

Advertisements make it sound like 5G will instantly transform your internet.

But in practice, it still feels more like a work in progress.

Right now, the safer bet for most households is to stick with the NBN or, if you’re in a rural or regional area, consider Starlink.

The NBN may not be perfect, but it relies on a physical cable running to your home, which gives it stability.

You don’t get the same sudden dropouts that mobile towers can cause.

Starlink, on the other hand, uses satellites orbiting the Earth to beam internet down to your property. It’s been a game changer for people in areas where the NBN hasn’t been up to scratch, although the cost is still on the higher side and you need to set up a dish.

Does that mean 5G is a waste of time? Not at all.

In fact, I have no doubt that 5G – or its next generation and perhaps satellite internet as well – will eventually become the everyday solution.

The technology is moving quickly.

More towers are being installed, coverage maps are filling in and the equipment is improving with every release.

For those who want to experiment, a 5G router can work as a back-up or even as a portable option if you travel a lot with a caravan. But for the average household, it’s not quite at the stage where I’d recommend ditching your current service.

My advice is simple: don’t rush.

Stick with what you know works – NBN or Starlink – and keep an eye on 5G as it develops.

In the world of technology, patience often pays off.

What feels clunky and unreliable today is very likely to be smooth and seamless tomorrow.

The key is not to let the marketing hype pressure you into a change before the technology is ready for you.

So for now, my recommendation is to hold steady.

Use the service that keeps you reliably connected, and know that the future is on its way: 5G has enormous potential.

But until it proves itself in real-world homes, day after day, it’s best kept as ‘one to watch’ rather than ‘one to rely on’.

 Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au