Britain’s appetite for data shows no sign of slowing. UK consumers are now using more than 1.2 billion gigabytes of mobile data every month, prompting mobile operators to accelerate the rollout of ‘full 5G’ to keep pace with demand, according to Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report.

The regulator’s annual assessment of the UK’s mobile and broadband infrastructure reveals that mobile data use jumped by 18% in 2025, underlining how central connectivity has become to everyday life.

To put that figure into perspective, monthly mobile usage is equivalent to streaming around 400 million football matches in HD, watching 315 billion TikTok videos, or sending 1.3 quadrillion text-only WhatsApp messages.

5G gathers momentum

While 4G continues to carry most mobile traffic, 5G usage surged by 53% year-on-year, highlighting a rapid shift in how people consume data on the move.

To meet this growing demand, mobile operators are increasingly deploying ‘full 5G’ (5G standalone). Unlike earlier 5G services that rely partly on 4G infrastructure, full 5G operates on a dedicated network, delivering faster speeds, lower latency and greater reliability end-to-end.

For the first time, Ofcom has published exclusive data on full 5G availability. The report shows that 83% of the UK now has access to full 5G from at least one mobile network.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s Group Director for Infrastructure and Connectivity, said:
“The UK’s demand for data continues to grow as we live increasingly connected lives. For years, operators have delivered 5G services while leaning on 4G networks to do much of the heavy lifting. Now, the race to deliver the UK’s full 5G future is firmly under way.”

Coverage improves – but location still matters

Overall outdoor 5G coverage from at least one operator now reaches 97% of the UK, up from 95% last year. However, coverage varies significantly between networks, ranging from 64% to 89% nationally.

Recognising that real-world performance matters most where people live and work, Ofcom has launched Map Your Mobile, a new postcode-level comparison tool. Available at ofcom.org.uk/mobile, it is the most comprehensive UK resource for comparing mobile coverage and performance, and is designed to help consumers make informed choices when switching contracts or moving home.

Landlines lose their dial tone

The report also highlights a steady decline in traditional home phones. More than one million households ditched their landlines over the past year, leaving just over 17 million still in use.

As mobile coverage improves and services such as WhatsApp become the default for voice and video calls, the traditional landline is increasingly being left behind.

Satellite broadband takes off

2025 has also been a breakout year for satellite broadband. Starlink’s UK customer base grew by more than a quarter, surpassing 110,000 users for the first time.

Most new satellite connections were in rural areas, with over 12,000 households signing up in locations unable to access decent fixed-line or wireless broadband, underlining satellite’s growing role in closing connectivity gaps.

Fibre rollout surges – adoption lags behind

On the fixed side, the UK’s full-fibre rollout continues at pace, with 78% of homes (23.7 million properties) now able to access fibre-to-the-premises, up from 69% a year ago.

Yet despite the promise of faster, more reliable connections, less than half of households with access have taken it up. Fibre adoption rose from 35% to 42% this year, but millions are still missing out on buffer-free streaming, smoother gaming and more reliable video calls.

Looking more broadly, 87% of UK homes (26.4 million) can now access a gigabit-capable broadband connection via full-fibre or cable networks, with 56% of those households choosing to subscribe.

A nation hungry for connectivity

Taken together, Ofcom’s findings paint a clear picture: the UK is consuming more data than ever before, across mobile, fibre and satellite networks. As demand continues to rise, the pace of full 5G deployment and next-generation broadband rollout will be critical in shaping how Britain stays connected in the years ahead.

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