4G Mobile Broadband Technology in the UK: From 2014

4G is the name given to fourth-generation mobile technology. In this article, we outline what 4G is, the key differences between 4G and present-day 3G technology and the state of 4G technology within the UK.

What is 4G mobile technology?

4G is the name given to fourth-generation mobile networks and new mobile devices which can access those networks. 4G mobile networks promise to deliver download speeds of up to 100Mbit/s whilst moving (e.g. in a train or car) and up to 1Gbit/s whilst stationary. This compares to 7.2Mbit/s offered by HSDPA (3G networks) and 150Kbit/s on GPRS (2G networks). With all the talk about kilobits, megabits and gigabits, it’s difficult to know what this actually means. The following graph compares the theoretical maximum download speeds of 2G, 3G and 4G technology and shows why people are so excited about 4G technology in the UK.

The higher speeds offered by 4G mean there could be lots of new and novel smartphone applications such as high-definition TV, video chat and multiplayer games. 4G mobile technology will also bring a variety of benefits for mobile network operators such as lower costs and a more efficient use of the radio spectrum.

Is 4G technology available within the UK?

No. 4G technology is not currently available in the UK. There are no 4G networks available within the UK and hence any 4G phones purchased abroad will not work in the UK. The UK mobile networks are not currently allowed to deploy 4G technology and are still waiting for the auction of 4G spectrum to go ahead.

When will 4G be available within the UK?

The availability of 4G within the UK is currently dependent on the switch-off of analogue television signals. Some of the frequencies previously used to broadcast analogue television will be re-allocated for 4G mobile technology and will be sold in a forthcoming “spectrum auction”. This auction is currently set to take place in 2012 with the spectrum being available from 2013. Providing everything goes to plan, we should expect to see the first 4G mobile networks in the UK round about 2014.

What download speeds and mobile broadband packages are currently available in the UK?

All of the mobile networks in the UK offer a HSDPA (3G) service and mobile broadband packages based on 3G technology:

* 3 (Three)
* O2
* Orange
* T-Mobile
* Virgin Mobile
* Vodafone

Note that 7.2Mbit/s is the theoretical maximum speed offered by HSDPA (3G) mobile services. In reality, the speed you receive is likely to be much less (in the region of 1Mbit/s).

Doesn’t T-Mobile offer a 4G mobile service?

No. T-Mobile USA (a different company with different ownership to T-Mobile UK) claims to offer a 4G mobile service in America. In reality, T-Mobile USA’s service is actually based on an advanced version of the same 3G standards we use in the UK (HSPA+). T-Mobile do not offer a 4G service in the UK.

Does the iPhone 4 support 4G technology?

There is a common misconception that the iPhone 4 supports 4G and will deliver higher download speeds than the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S. This is not true. The iPhone 4 is a 3G phone and does not support 4G technology.