Vodafone to launch 5G across 19 UK cities in 2019

5G masts with blue sky in the background
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Vodafone has revealed the 19 cities it'll launch its 5G service in by the end of the year, joining the country's other major networks to bring superfast mobile data to the UK.

The first areas benefiting from the firm's 5G service will be Birkenhead, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Guildford, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Reading, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Warrington and Wolverhampton, alongside Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Liverpool, Newbury, Birmingham, Glasgow and London that had already been announced.

Vodafone explained the initial set up work has been completed for seven of these areas, with the additional 12 to be ready before the year is out.

The company has been busy installing 5G antennas and equipment to transfer data at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, meaning customers will be able to use the network without stuttering on its Red Stream optical fibre network.

Vodafone has completed its trials that began last October to make sure both commercial and domestic customers will be able to achieve the boosted speeds.

These tests will continue from Vodafone's headquarters in Newbury as it prepares to launch its service at some point in 2019.

"Our multi-billion-pound network investment and leading position in setting global standards will ensure our customers have the very latest 5G releases and technology," said Vodafone UK CTO Scott Petty.

"5G will also usher in a new era where everyone and everything is better connected, whether you are running a hotel in Portsmouth or broadcasting live at MediaCity in Salford."

Vodafone said it's also rolling out Active Antenna (Massive MIMO) technology to turn 4G networks into 5G hubs to make sure it can spread its 5G network across the nation more rapidly when 5G becomes available.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.