Maps show where 5G networks are across the country

With 5G technology expanding across the country, Australians are more connected than ever before. So do you fall in a 5G zone?

Next-generation mobile technology 5G is becoming available in a growing number of homes across the country and many Aussies are excited about its benefits.

A recent poll by news.com.au found more than 57 per cent of respondents were most excited about fast internet.

With 5G — the next generation after 3G and 4G — users can enjoy the benefit of a fast connection due to high-capacity bandwidth.

It is set to be faster, more responsive and have higher capacity so you can get more out of the network.

It allows people to download movies, games and other large files in seconds instead of minutes.

The Optus 5G Network is rolling out in selected areas.

Telstra’s coverage is also rapidly growing on a daily basis.

Optus 5G head Harvey Wright said its rollout was focused on delivering 5G where customers needed in most, including high-data demand locations such as airports, train stations, stadiums and CBD locations.

“We are also delivering 5G to residential areas for our 5G Home Broadband service,” he said.

“In the last few weeks we have added a number of new sites to our growing 5G network.

“Optus 5G Home Broadband will give customer the ability to stream, download and share content like never before.”

He said the 5G rollout would take years but Optus was working quickly to deliver it to as many Australians as possible.

“Like the rollout of 4G and as with all telcos, it will take several years before we truly have national 5G coverage,” he said.

This week, Vodafone announced it would still build a stand-alone 5G network with an initial 650 sites in seven Australian cities and regions, a proposition it says will be considerably strengthened once its $15 billion merger with TPG is finalised.

“The initial rollout plan (is for) 5G sites … in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast,” Vodafone said in a statement.

Sites will go progressively live from mid-2020.

Local conditions — including the number of users, building materials, vegetation and terrain — may impact your ability to connect to the 5G network and the speed you experience.

When not in a 5G coverage area, compatible devices will switch to the 4G or 3G network where it is available.

Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said it had expanded its rollout from 10 to 32 cities across Australia.

The company is on track to extend its coverage to at least 35 cities by the end of the financial year.

About a quarter of Android handsets they’ve sold since July 2019 are 5G-compatible.

“More than 100,000 5G compatible devices are now connected,” Mr Penn said.

“We have six 5G devices available to our customers, including the mid-priced Samsung Galaxy A90 5G handset.

“We will also be launching second generation 5G handsets over the coming weeks.”