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Sky Mobile just supercharged its fastest 5G speeds nationwide.

Dubbed 5G+, this new standard acts like a fast lane for 5G users. You should be able to continue to stream, share, and video call at uninterrupted speeds in the busiest areas or during peak times. According to its Sky Help webpage, connecting to 5G+ "gives you a more reliable connection and smoother performance".

You'll know when your smartphone is running on this speedier slither of the Sky Mobile network because it'll be flagged by a 5G+ symbol on your device. Unlike the initial roll-out of 5G, this isn't because you're in an area with new network equipment or a stronger signal, 5G+ is designed to kick in when crowds overwhelm the network.

Your device will automatically be moved into a dedicated fast lane, so you can keep using your phone as normal.

5G+ isn't about record-breaking new speeds for your mobile internet, but it's about keeping you connected at times when networks typically become congested and sluggish. For example, trying to book a taxi after a concert when everybody around you is doing exactly the same thing, or you're trying to download your ticket with a QR code outside a packed stadium. Even connected to 5G masts, these everyday moments can cause slow loading times.

How does this work? Unlike earlier versions of 5G, the more reliable 5G+ doesn't rely on any 4G infrastructure. That means there's no 4G signal underpinning this network. Some networks refer to this upgraded signal as "5G Standalone" or "5GSA". According to Sky Mobile: "Unlike earlier versions of 5G, 5G+ doesn't rely on 4G infrastructure. That helps keep your connection fast and responsive, even as demand grows."

Other networks have already started to roll out 5G Standalone or 5G+ nationwide. EE was the first out of the gate with this new technology, with the award-winning network now covering 54 million people — roughly 78% of the total UK population. As well as a first-of-its-kind satellite boost, O2 offers 5G+ alongside Vodafone and Three.

Sky Mobile is one of the biggest mobile networks outside of EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three — commonly referred to as "The Big Four" — to enable 5G+ for its subscribers. Sky Mobile is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means it doesn't own and manage a nationwide network of masts across the UK. Instead, MVNOs piggyback on the infrastructure of another network — in this case, O2 provides the masts.

While 5G+ is commonplace with the Big Four, Sky Mobile is likely to be the first of the MVNOs to offer this ultra-reliable mobile network. It could be a while before we see these pure end-to-end 5G networks trickle down to all networks, delivering ultra-low latency, boosted energy efficiency, increased reliability, and faster mobile data speeds at peak times.

Sky Mobile says 5G+ is now available on the following phones:

The mobile network also states that subscribers will need to use an eSIM to be eligible to tap into this improved mobile network. You'll also need to make sure that you've got the 5G Network add-on activated on your My Sky app.

At the moment, 5G+ is available in most areas where you can get Sky Mobile 5G, although coverage might depend on your exact location and device," Sky Mobile states. "When you're connected to 5G+ you might still see 5G symbol on your phone. Some will see a 5G+ icon."