Can 5G replace traditional home broadband? For some households, yes. Here's everything you need to know about 5G home internet in Ireland.
What Is 5G Home Broadband?
Instead of cables, 5G broadband uses mobile network signals:
- Plug-in router connects to 5G network
- Creates WiFi for your home devices
- No installation — just plug in and go
- No landline required
It's essentially a supercharged mobile hotspot designed for home use.
5G Providers in Ireland
| Provider | Price | Data | Speed | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three | €35/mo | Unlimited | Up to 300Mb | 12 months |
| Vodafone | €40/mo | Unlimited | Up to 300Mb | 12 months |
| Eir | €40/mo | Unlimited | Up to 300Mb | 12 months |
Speeds are theoretical maximums. Actual speeds depend on signal strength.
The Good
1. No Installation Needed
Receive router, plug it in, connect. No waiting weeks for an engineer.
2. No Landline Costs
Pure broadband-only service. No phone line rental.
3. Portable
Moving house? Take it with you. Works at any address with 5G coverage.
4. Unlimited Data
Most plans include genuinely unlimited data (check fair use policies).
5. No Digging or Cables
Ideal for renters or areas where cabling is difficult.
6. Competitive Pricing
€35-40/month is comparable to entry-level fibre.
The Bad
1. Speed Depends on Signal
This is the crucial factor. Your speeds depend on:
- Distance from 5G mast
- Number of users on the mast
- Building materials (concrete blocks 5G signals)
- Weather conditions (to some extent)
Real-world speeds: Anywhere from 30Mb to 300Mb. Often 50-150Mb in typical conditions.
2. Limited 5G Coverage
5G isn't everywhere yet:
- Available in major cities and towns
- Patchy in suburbs
- Rare in rural areas
Check coverage maps before ordering.
3. Higher Latency
5G has higher latency (delay) than fibre:
- Fibre: ~5-15ms
- 5G: ~20-50ms
For gaming or video calls, this can be noticeable.
4. Shared Network
You're sharing bandwidth with everyone on that mast. Peak times (evenings) may see slower speeds.
5. No Gigabit Speeds
Maximum ~300Mb vs gigabit fibre. If you need maximum speed, fibre wins.
Who Should Use 5G Broadband?
Good Fit:
- Renters who move frequently
- Areas waiting for fibre (temporary solution)
- Light-to-moderate users (1-3 people)
- Can't get fibre but have 5G coverage
- Hate waiting for installation appointments
Poor Fit:
- Large households with heavy use
- Gamers needing low latency
- Streamers/creators needing upload speed
- Fibre is available (fibre is better)
- Weak 5G coverage at your address
How to Check 5G Coverage
Before ordering, verify coverage:
- Three: three.ie/coverage
- Vodafone: vodafone.ie/coverage
- Eir: eir.ie/coverage
Look specifically for 5G coverage, not just 4G. Indoor coverage matters—check inside your home, not just outside.
5G vs Fibre Comparison
| Factor | 5G Broadband | Fibre Broadband |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | ~300Mb | Up to 2Gb |
| Latency | 20-50ms | 5-15ms |
| Consistency | Variable | Very consistent |
| Installation | None | Engineer visit |
| Portability | Yes | No |
| Price | €35-40/mo | €30-50/mo |
| Best For | Flexibility | Performance |
Verdict: Fibre is better for performance. 5G is better for convenience.
5G vs 4G Home Broadband
| Factor | 5G | 4G |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 300Mb | Up to 100Mb |
| Latency | Lower | Higher |
| Coverage | Limited | Widespread |
| Price | €35-40/mo | €30-35/mo |
If you have 5G coverage, use 5G. If not, 4G is a reasonable alternative.
Real User Experiences
Based on forums and reviews:
Good experiences:
- "Getting 150Mb consistently, better than my old FTTC"
- "Set up in 5 minutes, works great for streaming"
- "Perfect for our apartment until fibre arrives"
Poor experiences:
- "Speed drops to 20Mb in evenings"
- "Signal too weak inside our concrete house"
- "Gaming lag is noticeable"
- "Three said I had coverage but speeds are terrible"
Key insight: Experience varies hugely by location. Test before committing long-term.
Tips for Better 5G Performance
- Position router near window — 5G signals struggle through walls
- Higher is better — upper floors often get better signal
- Avoid obstructions — trees and buildings block signal
- Try different positions — small movements can make big differences
- External antenna — some routers support external antennas for weak signal areas
Providers Compared
Three 5G Broadband
Price: €35/month Pros: Cheapest option, good 5G rollout Cons: Customer service complaints Coverage: Check three.ie/coverage
Vodafone 5G (GigaCube)
Price: €40/month Pros: Reliable network, good router Cons: Slightly more expensive Coverage: Check vodafone.ie/coverage
Eir 5G Broadband
Price: €40/month Pros: Largest 5G network Cons: Customer service reputation Coverage: Check eir.ie/coverage
Should You Switch from Fibre to 5G?
Generally, no. If you have working fibre, it's more reliable than 5G.
Consider 5G if:
- Your fibre is very slow (FTTC under 50Mb)
- You're moving soon
- Fibre installation has issues
- You need service immediately
Verdict
5G home broadband works for the right situations—renters, temporary solutions, or areas without fibre. But it's not a fibre replacement for most homes. Speeds are variable, latency is higher, and it can't match gigabit fibre performance.
Use 5G if: You need flexibility, can't get fibre, or need immediate service.
Use fibre if: It's available and you want reliable, consistent performance.
Last updated: January 2026