While it’s not yet time for users to abandon 2G and 3G in favour of 4G and 5G, experts are already recommending that you consider transitioning away from 4G. But when will 4G be phased out in the UK? The exact date remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 5 to 15 years. The urgency for this update stems from the fact that, as of early 2024, over 60 percent of the UK population already has access to 5G networks, and the number of new users connecting is steadily rising. Additionally, factors like the Shared Rural Network (SRN), regulatory changes, and economic imperatives are driving the UK’s strategic decision to embrace 5G. For more details, visit CMS.
So, what’s the big deal with 5G? Well, it promises data speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, which could revolutionise how we work and communicate in the digital world. But how does your choice today impact your daily life and business in the foreseeable future? Let’s get to the bottom of this.
4G vs. 5G: What is it?
Understanding the differences between 4G and 5G can be key when choosing the right network for your personal or business purposes. For example, if you use your smartphone for socialising, browsing content and social networking, 4G is fine. But if you claim high efficiency and competitiveness for your business, available on the device infrastructure, which is critical for the Internet of Things (IoT) and innovation, 5G is your choice. Let’s take a look at the key technical aspects.
- 4G (fourth generation) – this standard offers high data speeds and wide coverage (up to 95 percent of the whole of the UK by the end of 2024). The data speeds 4G offers are suitable for most users, providing a reliable connection for both internet business and personal life – for online retailing, study, remote working and online entertainment.
- 5G (fifth generation) – it is a new standard that increases data speeds by two orders of magnitude faster than its predecessor (4G), reduces latency and supports more devices. 5G opens the door for big data applications such as virtual reality, Internet of Things and cloud services. Imagine seamless virtual reality experiences, a robust Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, and efficient cloud services – all powered by 5G.
Comparison of 4G & 5G
| Characteristic | 4G | 5G |
| Speed | Up to 100 Mbit/s | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Delay | 50-100 ms | 1-10 ms |
| Stability | good | Very high |
| Availability | Wide | Limited but growing |
| Compatibility | With most devices | Requires new devices |
But there are also counterarguments. For example, 4G can be slower in high-load areas, and the move to 5G requires a major investment in new devices on the user side and infrastructure on the provider side. As a generalised conclusion, you should consider your needs: 4G is fine for everyday tasks, while 5G is for more demanding scenarios. Manufacturing, the public sector, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, utilities, mining, healthcare, and warehouses are among the industries that stand to benefit significantly from 5G to enable automation, and transform their operations.
Telecoms experts at UCtel are convinced that the move to 5G is not just a speed upgrade, it’s a revolution in the way you use the internet.
Understanding the technological distinctions for better decision-making
When choosing between 4G and 5G, it’s crucial to consider their technological characteristics. One key distinction is that with 4G, all operational processes occur on the server side, whereas 5G processes take place on the user side. Practically, this means that 4G works well with moderately configured hardware, whereas 5G demands high-performance devices capable of achieving data rates up to 10 Gbps, lag times under 1 ms, and the utilisation of a broad spectrum of radio waves, including high-frequency millimetre ones. Ericsson highlights more differences between 4G and 5G.
Imagine 5G devices communicating directly with each other, rather than through servers. Devices only communicate through servers when accessing data libraries or a quantum computer, which could be useful for various scientific research, industrial or business scenarios, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous systems. The takeaway:
- 4G places less strain on users’ communication devices and more on the provider’s infrastructure, making it well-suited for home use. Users, however, bear this difference through tariff charges to their internet service providers (ISPs).
- In contrast, 5G networks demand more from users’ hardware and operational performance. Operational processes occur at the user’s end, granting them greater autonomy and security. This aligns perfectly with the needs of businesses leveraging digital technologies.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that 5G may not provide a significant advantage if your requirements are limited to basic tasks that don’t involve high-powered digital devices. Additionally, 5G coverage is still expanding and may be uneven. UCtel experts estimate that by the time 4G is phased out in the UK, you can continue using it until 5G becomes more affordable and widely available. Alternatively, consider a hybrid approach: use 4G for everyday tasks and reserve 5G for business needs.
Conclusion: The final decision – what’s right for you
Although mobile technology is evolving rapidly, the innovation process still takes time for both users and providers to adapt. When choosing between 4G and 5G, it’s important to assess your needs and capabilities. Let’s explore which standard is right precisely for you.
Evaluate your needs and available resources:
- The first step is to understand how you use the Internet: for accessing information, streaming video and playing online games, 4G may be sufficient. However, if your priorities are autonomy and security when dealing with large amounts of data on an industrial scale, or for academic or commercial purposes, then 5G is your choice.
- The second step is to assess the communication technology available in your area. To address the question of when the UK will begin phasing out 4G, take a proactive approach and plan with a 5-year horizon. Choose a technology that is currently accessible and will remain so for an extended period. Remember to consider both availability and longevity.
- The third step is to extend your planning horizon beyond 10-15 years when considering the communications technologies under discussion. This is particularly relevant for companies involved in smart cities, virtual reality and massive machine-to-machine communications – the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) background. This will make 5G a worthwhile investment in the future of your projects.
4G (devices and communications) should be seen as a transition between 2G/3G and 5G. Which communications generation you choose for this period depends on your business operating horizon and lifestyle. If you are ready for innovative solutions, 5G is yours. Otherwise, keep 4G as your trusted companion. And either way, remember that 5G is not yet available everywhere in the UK, although coverage is still developing.
