Mobile network
A network is a wireless communication system that manages the transmission of voice calls and data between devices and their users. On this page, we’ll explain how communication via a mobile network works, which networks are available in the UK, and the differences between the various networks.
What is a mobile network?
In essence, a mobile network consists of three different parts that ‘work together’: your device, a base station and a switchboard. So when you for example make a phone call, your mobile phone connects to a base station for communication, which in turn contacts a telephone exchange. The switchboard connects your number with the number you are calling.
The SIM card you receive when you order a SIM only plan, pay as you go SIM or mobile broadband determines which network your device can access. The SIM card acts as a link between you and your provider, containing information about which services are included in your contract or pay as you go SIM, as well as the number associated with the card.
Do all providers have their own network?
No, not all providers have their own network. The smaller providers share networks with one of the four largest, namely EE, Three, Vodafone or O2. Below you can see which providers use the same network.
Providers that share networks
- EE: Utility Warehouse, 1pMobile, Lycamobile, Your Co-op, Ecotalk, IQ Mobile, RWG Mobile
- O2: Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile
- Three: iD Mobile, Smarty, FreedomPop, Honest Mobile, Superdrug Mobile
- Vodafone: Voxi, Asda Mobile, Lebara Mobile, Talkmobile, RWG Mobile
Which mobile network is best?
EE’s network has been ranked the best in several UK surveys, based on the overall mobile experience – covering network coverage, speeds and reliability. But keep in mind that different criteria can yield varying results, and you should consider your own circumstances and preferences to find the network that suits you best.
The differences between 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G
2G/GSM, 3G, 4G and 5G are a series of network generations based on different technologies. They therefore also have varying characteristics and serve different purposes. Below, we provide a brief overview of the various network generations to give you a clearer picture of the development from 2G to 5G.
2G/GSM
Initially, 2G was preceded by 1G (which introduced analogue telephony), but it was the 2G/GSM network that enabled digital telephony services and laid the foundation for the wireless technology we use today. You could say that 2G/GSM marked the beginning of IoT (Internet of Things) as it was the first network used to connect devices such as payment terminals and alarms.
Speeds on 2G/GSM increased due to the development of technologies such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM evolution), but their capacity was still too low for browsing and other demanding services.
3G
When 3G was commercially launched in the early 2000s, it became possible to connect to the internet and use data, send emails, and download images and videos. 3G enabled the entire smartphone revolution. Thanks to the core structure of the network (UMTS), transfer speeds became significantly higher than before, although by today’s standards they are still considered low.
Both 2G and 3G are based on GSM/GPRS technology, which means that voice calls are a separate service within the network. And this sets them apart from 4G, which is fully IP-based and brings together voice calls, texts and data in the same radio environment.
4G
4G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution) as it is actually called, is based on a completely different technology compared to previous network generations. By using multiple frequency bands, the 4G network can offer both better network coverage and significantly higher speeds than 2G and 3G. However, this may vary slightly depending on the provider and active plan. 4G is around 10 times faster than 3G, and for mobile devices the maximum speed is 100 Mbit/s (Megabits per second).
5G
The latest network generation is 5G, which is vastly superior to its predecessors in terms of speed, response times and capacity, due to its technology. 5G uses higher frequency bands, known as millimetre wave frequency, which provide significantly faster speeds than previous networks. And the response time is as low as just a few milliseconds. The theoretical top speed is 10 Gbit/s, but average real-world speeds are naturally lower.
Tip! On our page about 5G you can find out more about how the fifth generation network differs from its predecessors, what you need to access the 5G network, which provider offers the best 5G network, and what 5G SA and 5G NSA mean.
What should you do if you experience disruptions in the network?
If you are unable to connect to your network or if your data is slower than usual, there may be a service disruption on the network. Almost all providers have service status information on their respective websites, so first check if there are any temporary disruptions or planned outages in your area. If that is the case, there is nothing more you can do but wait until the issue is resolved or the work is completed.
If there is no information indicating that you are affected by service disruptions, you should check your device settings to ensure there are no issues there. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s time to contact your provider for guidance.
When will 2G and 3G be phased out?
According to Ofcom, both Vodafone and EE shut down their respective 3G networks at the start of 2024, and now Three has also phased out 3G in most parts of the UK. O2 plans to shut down their 3G network sometime in 2025.
All providers have confirmed that they will shut down 2G by 2033 at the latest, but it is up to each provider to decide if they will close the network at an earlier date.
Why 2G and 3G networks are being phased out
- Providers want to invest more in 5G and 4G networks, which can offer significantly higher speeds and better connectivity than both 3G and 2G.
- New and improved services on 4G and 5G networks require more frequency space, which is made available by phasing out older technologies.
- Newer networks are more environmentally sustainable and up to five times more energy efficient than their predecessors.
- Demand for services and products based on 3G and 2G technology is low, as the need for and interest in 4G and 5G has grown significantly.
What does the closure mean for me as a user?
The hope is that the closure of the older networks will bring benefits to customers. And according to the providers themselves, they are working to ensure the transition takes place with a ‘minimal impact on customers’. However, if you have an older mobile model or are using an older router for your mobile broadband, you may need to upgrade to a model that supports 4G and/or 5G, or adjust the settings on your device.
Info! Your provider will notify you well in advance if you are affected by the closure, and will also provide guidance on what you need to do. Many providers also have dedicated sections on their respective websites about the phase-out and how it may affect customers.
If you have a relatively new mobile phone or other technical device, you generally just need to check that your device is set up correctly to use 4G and possibly also 5G.
How to set up network on iPhone
- Open Settings
- Go to Network > Mobile data options > Voice and data.
- Choose 4G or higher.
- You can also activate 4G calling to optimise call quality.
How to set up network on Android
- Open Settings.
- Go to WiFi and network > SIM and network > Network type.
- Choose 4G or higher.
When it comes to Android phones, please remember that the menu options may vary slightly between different manufacturers, but the example above gives you an idea of what to expect.
How do you set up a network on a mobile router?
If you want to switch to 4G (or higher) on a mobile router, in most cases you just need to perform a factory reset. The exact steps may vary slightly between different router models and providers. You can usually find specific instructions directly on the providers’ websites. Alternatively, you can contact the provider in question and ask for guidance.
