topic Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G in Mobile Broadband

4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

Steve1737 — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:43:30 GMT

Hi everyone👋👋, I have a current 4g sim that I use in my mobile router which is coming to an end soon and I have now installed a 5g router in my caravan. My question is: Is it worth getting a 5G sim or just top up my 4G sim for use in UK campsites please? Many thanks🙏

Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

Chris_B — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:57:24 GMT

@Steve1737 Your sim should be capable of 5G already. There is no such thing as a “5G” sim. As for using 5G in over 4G you’ll only get the speed that the tariff gives you. Say you got a 100Meg speed over 4G it’ll still be 100Meg speed over 5G.

Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

XRaySpeX — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:07:21 GMT

@Steve1737 : As it's a PAYG SIM it is capped at 25 Meg anyway regardless of 'G'.

Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

bristolian — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:07:38 GMT

As mentioned already, EE SIMs are multi-technology and support 2G, 4G & 5G. Some older SIMs only support 5G in NSA mode, but that's of slightly less importance for data-only devices.

The previous reply isn't quite accurate regarding getting different speeds - what matters is the coverage layers you're able to use. You need to check EE's website coverage map to see whether the locations you frequent or will be using the device, have 5G coverage - https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile-coverage-checker

If 5G service is available, your speeds will potentially be quicker but you will only know for sure by testing a 5G device in those locations. In any other location, a 5G device/SIM will fallback to the 4G network and you'll get the exact same speeds you would do with a 4G device/SIM combination.

Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

XRaySpeX — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:30:09 GMT

@bristolian wrote:
The previous reply isn't quite accurate regarding getting different speeds

Just to clarify which reply:

PAYG SIMs are limited to 25 Meg!

Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

bristolian — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:21:23 GMT

Good spot that - only the reference to "top up" gives it away which I'd missed.

In which case benefits will only be achieved if 4G service is giving <25Mbps but 5G can deliver 25Mbps

Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

Steve1737 — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 23:44:07 GMT

Sorry, I should have probably mentioned that it is a pre paid sim with 125mb if this makes a difference to my post. I only use it when going camping in my caravan but due to the fact that I updated my router from a 4g to a 5g I thought I had to get a 5g sim🤔

Re: 4G data sim upgrade to 5 5G

Peter_W — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:17:16 GMT

Welcome back to the Community, @Steve1737.

As @XRaySpeX mentioned, our Prepaid SIMs are capped at 25 Mbps so you won't see speeds higher than this.

Depending on the area though, you may notice an improvement in overall coverage, as you're now able to make use of both 4G and 5G when available to stay connected.

Peter