In the UK, 5G networks tend to be lightly loaded late at night into the early morning, specifically between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., resulting in the fastest daily speeds[1].
Opensignal's analysis of 5G performance in Japan also identifies 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. as the quietest hours for mobile network usage and best mobile network experience[5].
Several factors can influence 5G speeds, including network load and the type of 5G spectrum band being used[1][4]. High-band 5G, which operates in the 24-47 GHz frequency range, can deliver speeds up to 20 Gbps but covers shorter distances[2][4]. Mid-band 5G, typically ranging from 1GHz to 6GHz, is often deployed in high-traffic areas and can offer peak download speeds of up to 1.5Gbps[6]. Network congestion can also affect 5G speeds, with speeds potentially decreasing during peak hours when more users are online[1][4]. For example, mobile provider Three UK can see a significant reduction in 5G speeds during busy times compared to the early morning peak[1][3].
Citations:
[1] https://www.opensignal.com/2023/06/29/5g-is-more-consistent-than-4g-across-all-hours-of-the-day-in-the-uk
[2] https://nybsys.com/5g-bands/
[3] https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2023/06/uk-5g-vs-4g-mobile-broadband-speeds-at-different-times-of-day.html
[4] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-fast-is-5g/
[5] https://www.opensignal.com/2023/03/30/at-busy-times-5g-is-more-consistent-than-4g-in-japan
[6] https://www.bytesdigital.co.uk/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-5g
[7] https://community.verizon.com/t5/5G-Home-Internet/5G-Home-Internet-Speeds-in-the-Evening/td-p/1737089
[8] https://www.t-mobile.com/community/discussions/troubleshooting/home-internet-speeds-are-unacceptable-during-the-day-/143714