Broadband vs. 5G: Which Is Better For Home Internet?
With faster Wi-Fi and 5G standalone networks in the pipeline as part of the plans to upgrade to Singapore's digital infrastructure (as per the 2023 Digital Connectivity Blueprint by Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore), we can look forward to more reliable connectivity and a greater variety of Wi-Fi and 5G plans to choose from.
While some of us are comfortable with our existing broadband services, others may wonder if it’s time to ditch their broadband connection and switch to 5G instead. To help those who are in this dilemma, let’s compare these few two types of technology to determine which option is better for home use and explore the advantages and disadvantages of broadband and 5G, as well as factors to consider when making a decision.
Types Of 5G For Homes
While reliable broadband connection is sufficient for most households in Singapore, some users may require mobility, ultra-fast speeds, low latency, or a backup option, and 5G can be a valuable addition.
Whether you need 5G at home or if broadband is good enough, it all depends on your specific internet usage requirements and priorities. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between 5G and broadband for your home:
SIM-only plans
As the name suggests, SIM-only plans give you access to 5G data, talk time, and SMS without having to purchase a new phone as all you need is a SIM card that is compatible with your existing phone. You can usually choose a plan with the amount of data you need, and you can change your plan at any time.
Mobile contract plans
These plans include a new phone and a 5G data plan, usually for a period of 24 months. You will typically have to pay a deposit for the phone, and you will have to pay a monthly fee for the plan.
5G Broadband plans
Some providers offer 5G-based home broadband plans. These plans are designed for residential users and provide high-speed internet access via 5G technology.
Unlimited 5G plans
Unlimited data plans with 5G access are appealing for heavy data users who want to take advantage of high-speed 5G networks without worrying about data caps.
Family plans
Family-oriented plans may include shared data allowances and multiple lines, making it convenient for families to access 5G services
5G add-ons
In some cases, you may have the option to add 5G access to your existing mobile or broadband plan for an additional fee. This can be a cost-effective way to get 5G if you're already a customer.
What Are The Differences: 5G vs. 4G vs. 3G
| 5G | 4G | 3G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak download speed | 20 Gbps | 300 Mbps | 42 Mbps |
| Peak upload speed | 10 Gbps | 150 Mbps | 21 Mbps |
| Latency | 1 ms or lesser | 10-50 ms | 100-200 ms |
| Spectrum efficiency | 3x better than 4G | Lower as compared to 5G | Lower as compared to 4G and 5G |
| User density | 1000K per square kilometres | 2K per square kilometres | Lower as compared to 4G and 5G |
| Energy efficiency | 100x better than 4G | Lower as compared to 5G | Lower as compared to 4G and 5G |
| Security | Further enhanced subscriber privacy protection, suited for over-the-air encryption algorithms | Enhanced with symmetric-key cryptography, subscriber privacy and security protection | Basic authentication, confidentiality and integrity protection, weak encryption |
Types Of 5G For Homes
SIM-only plans
As the name suggests, SIM-only plans give you access to 5G data, talk time, and SMS without having to purchase a new phone as all you need is a SIM card that is compatible with your existing phone. You can usually choose a plan with the amount of data you need, and you can change your plan at any time.
Mobile contract plans
These plans include a new phone and a 5G data plan, usually for a period of 24 months. You will typically have to pay a deposit for the phone, and you will have to pay a monthly fee for the plan.
5G Broadband plans
Some providers offer 5G-based home broadband plans. These plans are designed for residential users and provide high-speed internet access via 5G technology.
Unlimited 5G plans
Unlimited data plans with 5G access are appealing for heavy data users who want to take advantage of high-speed 5G networks without worrying about data caps.
Family plans
Family-oriented plans may include shared data allowances and multiple lines, making it convenient for families to access 5G services.
5G add-ons
In some cases, you may have the option to add 5G access to your existing mobile or broadband plan for an additional fee. This can be a cost-effective way to get 5G if you're already a customer.
Pros & Cons Of 5G Plans
Pros
- Offer mobility, allowing you to access high-speed internet anywhere and anytime
- Download and upload speeds are as fast as or even better than some broadband connections, can be up to 10X faster than 4G
- Have low latency, apt for real-time applications such as online gaming and video conferencing
- No installation or physical cables are required for 5G as most 5G services are available once you a 5G-capable device to access the network or insert a compatible SIM card into your device
- Some plans do not have data caps
Cons
- Coverage not as extensive as 4G or broadband coverage as it is still a relatively new form of technology compared to 4G and broadband
- Coverage may vary depending on your location
- Some 5G plans come with data caps
- In areas with heavy 5G usage, network congestion can occur, leading to slower speeds during peak times
- Device compatibility issues may be more commonly encountered as compared to 4G or broadband plans as you need a 5G-capable device to take full advantage of 5G speeds and older devices may not be compatible
- Usually more expensive than 4G and broadband plans
Fast, Reliable, Affordable? Compare the Best Broadband Plans Here!
Do You Really Need 5G At Home?
If you primarily use the internet for activities like web browsing, email, social media, and streaming video content (e.g., Netflix, YouTube), a reliable broadband connection is usually sufficient. Broadband plans in Singapore often offer high-speed and unlimited data options for these activities.
Those with a large household with multiple devices and users who engage in bandwidth-intensive activities like online gaming, 4K video streaming, or working from home with extensive data transfers, a higher-tier broadband plan will be more beneficial.
Compare the cost of 5G plans with broadband plans which you can find on MoneySmart’s Best Broadband Plans comparison page. In some cases, 5G plans can be more expensive, especially if you require unlimited data.
Types Of Broadband Plans For Homes
If you haven’t checked out our guide to the best broadband plans, here’s a quick walk-through of the various types of broadband services available and what each of them provides.
Basic plans for low data users
These are entry-level plans which are mostly cost-effective designed for users with minimal data requirements. They offer lower speeds and are suitable for tasks like email, web browsing, and light streaming.
Standard plans for typical home users
Most home users in Singapore get this category of plans that comes with bundling options (include broadband, home phone, and television services) which offers moderate to high-speed internet that is ideal for activities like HD streaming, online gaming, and regular web browsing.
High-speed plans for streaming and multiple users
If you’re a heavy user or have many family members sharing the same plan, you’ll definitely require faster download and upload speeds, and such high-speed plans that facilitate simultaneous streaming, with features like unlimited data and dedicated bandwidth for services like Netflix and YouTube will be apt.
Premium plans for power users
These are high-tier plans with extremely fast speeds, suitable for power users who require the highest performance for activities like 4K streaming, large file downloads, and heavy online gaming.
For those who work often from home or run their own SME(small business enterprise) may require such plans which include business-grade broadband plans, which offer reliability, dedicated support, and advanced features. In some cases, users may opt for dedicated fiber connections with guaranteed bandwidth, ideal for households with extensive connectivity needs.
Gamer-optimised plans for gaming enthusiastsRow Title 1
Gaming-optimised plans prioritise low latency and high-speed connections and may include features like Quality of Service (QoS) settings to minimise lag. The sub-categories of such gaming-optimised plans include fiber broadband plans with low ping times to ensure a smooth gaming experience, especially for online multiplayer games and plans with symmetrical upload and download speeds which are beneficial for gamers who stream their gameplay or engage in online content creation.
Pros & Cons Of Broadband Plans
Pros
- Tend to be more stable and reliable than wireless connections
- Less susceptible to interference from obstacles or weather conditions
- Offer consistent and symmetrical speeds, meaning you get similar upload and download speeds
- Some provide unlimited data usage, allowing you to stream and download
- Usually have lower latency compared to wireless connections, which is crucial for online gaming and real-time applications
- Lower cost than 5G plans
Cons
- Some broadband connections are tied to a specific physical location, so you can't take your connection with you when you're on the move
- Longer installation time as compared to 5G may be required to set up a broadband connection which can incur additional costs
- Some may have data caps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5G faster than broadband service?
- The download and upload speeds of 5G services are as fast as or even better than some broadband connections, and can be up to 10X faster than 4G.
Do 5G plans cost more than broadband plans?
- In some cases, yes. It is usually more expensive than most broadband plans and even 4G plans, especially when you opt for the unlimited 5G plans.