Vodafone has switched on its full trial of 5G mobile technology in Salford, Greater Manchester, marking the country’s latest step towards faster mobile connection speeds.

The company claims it is the first in the UK to carry full 5G over a commercial network because it does not use parts of the existing 4G network to complete the 5G service.

Vodafone is providing coverage to MediaCityUK and surrounding areas as part of the trial.

It has invited local firms and digital start-ups in the area to try 5G before it is launched across the UK next year.

Vodafone 5G trial
Vodafone recently demonstrated how 5G could be used for live holographic calls (Matt Alexander/PA)

It is expected 5G will revolutionise connection speeds, providing a fast and stable network that could enable everything from remote surgery to 4K mobile gaming on the move with a 5G-compatible handset.

Vodafone demonstrated last month with Manchester City and England Women’s football captain Steph Houghton how 5G could be used to make live holographic calls.

“We have worked closely with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to help ensure the city is not only an economic powerhouse but also a digital powerhouse,” Vodafone UK chief executive Nick Jeffery said.

The British telecommunications giant is planning to roll out 5G in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool and London by the end of this year, followed by the Scottish Highlands, Cornwall and the Lake District, among others, in 2019.

Rival network EE recently switched on its trial 5G mobile technology at Canary Wharf in London and it also plans to launch a 5G network in 2019.