5G vs Fibre for Live Sports in Ireland — Lag & Stability

Last updated: 16 September 2025 GMT

Both 5G home broadband and fibre (FTTH/FTTC) can stream lawful sports in Ireland. Fibre is usually steadier; 5G can work well where signal is strong and the cell isn’t congested. Use the quick test below to decide for your address.

Quick wins

• For big matches: prefer fibre + Ethernet to the TV/box.
• On 5G: place the router at the strongest indoor signal (window, high shelf) and lock the TV/box to 5 GHz non-DFS 36/40/44/48 @ 40 MHz or use Ethernet.
• Always use the official, licensed app; no geo-bypass or DRM circumvention.

Comparison (Ireland)

Factor	Fibre	5G Home
Baseline latency	Low and consistent	Low–med; varies by cell load
Peak-time stability	Strong	Depends on congestion/interference
Install complexity	Wired install	Plug-and-play but placement matters
Best practice	Ethernet to TV/box	Ethernet to TV/box; optimise antenna location
Apartment suitability	Very good	Good if signal strong (window side)

5-minute at-home test

1. Connect TV/box by Ethernet (or 5 GHz 36/40/44/48 @ 40 MHz).
2. Start a lawful live stream. On a phone/PC, run a lightweight ping (or buffer-bloat test) for 5 minutes.
3. Switch between fibre and 5G (one at a time). Note drops/stalls during the live stream, not just speed tests.
4. Pick the option with the fewest visible stalls during the 5-minute watch.

Ireland-specific tips

• 5G routers: try a window facing the nearest mast; avoid cupboards and TV cabinets.
• Wi-Fi: split SSIDs; force TV/box to 5 GHz; avoid DFS on match day.
• Mesh: wire backhaul if possible; wireless daisy-chains add jitter.

Related guides

• Which 5 GHz Wi-Fi channels to use in Ireland?
• Match-day buffering fix checklist (Ireland)
• eir vs Three 5G for streaming TV (method & tips)

Ireland-specific, lawful use only. No channel lists or geo-bypass.