CHOOSING a mobile network provider can be tricky, with a number of factors for customers to consider.
One of the factors becoming increasingly relevant is high internet speeds.
In respect to this, 5G has moved the benchmark, and those lucky enough to live near 5G masts can enjoy much faster internet speeds.
However, most people will still be using 4G as 5G continues to be rolled out across the country.
Access to 5G is also dependant on what mobile network provider you use, which can make things even more confusing.
Luckily, RootMetrics, which is an Ookla company, has set up a map of the UK showing 5G coverage provided by the four biggest networks in the UK.
EE, O2, Three and Vodafone are the companies shown on the map and the data is gathered from test samples from locations on the ground.
The map uses colour coded hexagons to show the coverage - dark blue means 5G, light blue is LTE (4G), light orange is 3G+, dark orange is 2G/3G and white means untested.
Penarth is very well covered with 4G across all networks and also has good 5G coverage considering its size.
This is likely due to the proximity of Cardiff which has good 5G coverage.
Coverage appears to fade away slightly near less populated areas, such as Cosmeston.
Comparison of the networks
EE
EE still provides mostly 4G coverage in Penarth, but there are a few spots of 5G coverage.
As expected, much of the 5G coverage is in more populated areas near the marina and closer to Cardiff.
The main area that is left untested is in Cosmeston, which will be a recurring theme.
O2
O2 offer more 5G coverage for most of Penarth, with comparable hotspots to EE.
O2 may be a better option for those living in Lower Penarth.
However, network coverage is spotty between Penarth and Dinas Powys with low speeds reported.
Three
Consistency is key for Three as basically the entire area in and around Penarth is entirely covered by 4G.
There are some bonus spots of 5G coverage, again near the spots covered by EE and O2.
Although this is the least amount of 5G coverage from a major network in Penarth, there may be something to be said for reliable 4G coverage.
Vodafone
Vying with O2 for the best 5G coverage in Penarth, Vodafone also benefits from having a large amount of 4G coverage.
However, there are areas with poor coverage that are slightly bizarre, with 3G areas being directly next to 5G areas.
Neighbouring Dinas Powys also has good coverage, showing that there is a consistency in the area.
What is 5G?
5G is the latest generation of mobile network technology which will allow great internet speeds.
It works by broadcasting unique radio signals at high frequencies that are then broken into bands.
As the frequencies are higher than 4G signals, this means that many more devices can be used at one time on the mobile signal as well as having much faster connectivity speeds.
While good news for mobile users and gamers, the technology is also being employed in autonomous vehicles and other tasks that need access to data-heavy networks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here