Vodafone has announced an update to its broadband offerings with Vodafone 5G Broadband, a home internet service that relies on the operator's mobile network rather than a wired fibre optic connection most commonly associated with modern broadband.

'Broadband' refers to any high-speed internet connection, and so can be provided via 5G, with customers' routers connecting to the mobile network wirelessly and beaming Wi-Fi signal into homes.

Vodafone already offered 5G broadband services prior to today's announcement with its Gigacube product, which is now discontinued. Now, it offers a new 5G router with speeds up to 150Mbps and unlimited data, and said it had expanded coverage to serve 3.7 million additional potential homes across the country

The firm said the new service suits "households who cannot currently access full fibre, renters, students, and anyone who wants powerful connectivity with flexibility", thanks to the choice between a 24-month contract or 30-day rolling plan.

Prices start at £21 per month for the 24-month option or £30 for the rolling plan, though this will only get speeds up to 50Mbps.

Although fixed fibre broadband covers the majority of the UK, there are still spots that are not served, leaving people with fewer fast internet options. That's where 4G and 5G services become an option - as long as the mobile signal in those areas is strong enough.

"Millions of households are still paying over the odds for unreliable and slow broadband that often only reaches 74Mbps," said Rob Winterschladen, Consumer Director at VodafoneThree.

"With Vodafone 5G Broadband, we're giving those homes a genuinely fast alternative, at great value, with no installation, no waiting and no hassle."

Vodafone merged with Three last year, with both brands now housed under the VodafoneThree umbrella. But on May 5, Vodafone bought out Three's owner from the merger, so Vodafone will fully own the company.

"Through bringing the Vodafone and Three networks together and deploying innovative 'Multi Operator Core Network' technology in more than 10,000 sites nationwide, Vodafone 5G Broadband customers will benefit from improved coverage with higher speeds in areas where it wasn't previously available," Vodafone said.

If you're thinking of upgrading your broadband, you can use Vodafone's online postcode checker to see if your home is best served by the company's full fibre or 5G products.