Sky Mobile launching 5G by November
July 26, 2019
Sky Mobile has revealed it will launch 5G connectivity on its network by November, bringing the next-generation of mobile technology to Sky Mobile customers.
At launch, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as Leeds and Slough, will be the first to benefit from the new superfast mobile speeds, with wider national rollout planned to reach 20 towns and cities before the end of 2019, and a total of 50 to go live by the end of 2020.
Sophia Ahmad, Commercial Director of Sky Mobile, said “We will be the only mobile operator to be able to combine the launch of next generation superfast 5G connectivity with Sky Mobile’s unique features including Roll, Swap and Watch.”
All Sky Mobile’s plans come with Roll, which automatically rolls unused data over at the end of each month into a customer’s ‘piggybank’. Rolled data can be kept for up to three years and used whenever users need extra data boost, or exchanged for money off new phones, tablets and accessories. Those opting for a 5G handset can choose to update their phone every year without changing contract with Sky Mobile’s Swap plans.
Sky Mobile is starting the 5G-ready journey with Huawei’s first 5G phone, the Huawei Mate 20 X 5G. The phone features a 7.2-inch OLED display, built for mobile viewing and entertainment. The device starts from £36 per month on Swap24 excluding the data plan. Customers can add 8GB allowance and Unlimited Calls & Texts for £10.
Sky Mobile will be launching more 5G ready handsets later in the year from leading manufacturers, including the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.
Those who opt for a 5G Ready device will have phones ready to connect to the faster speeds of 5G on Sky Mobile by November, with 5G pricing to be confirmed closer to the launch. 5G on Sky Mobile will combine with all the usual benefits of Sky Mobile.
The news follows on the heels of O2 revealing it will be launching its 5G services around the same time.
Paolo Pescatore, TMT Analyst at PP Foresight, warned the UK mobile network to “watch out”, suggesting the move poses a considerable threat, with 5G representing a significant opportunity for Sky to steal market share.
“It is becoming harder for telcos to differentiate on connectivity beyond price alone. Sky armed with its innovative mobile features and breath of content is very well placed to compete head on. For now, from an overall services perspective, it seems to be in pole position,” he added.
“However, it is largely dependent on O2’s network rollout. Moving forward you can foresee both companies becoming more closely aligned.”
“The UK will be one of the most competitive 5G markets in the world by the end of this year,” he predicted