What makes 3g

While today these numbers may not seem impressive, especially compared to 4G or 5G networks, sometimes 4G technology simply is not available. In these cases, 3G is the default option. In most instances, 3G is more than capable of providing a stable network connection for tasks including calls, web browsing, and video and audio streaming.

There are at least three reasons by 3G is still relevant today — even with the wide-spread use of 4G and rapidly emerging use of 5G networks. Second, stability is often more important than internet speed. When 4G network connectivity is limited or unreliable, users benefit from using a stable 3G network connection.

The stability enables browsing and performing online tasks at an adequate pace instead of trying to maintain a 4G connection. Third, 3G can make more sense from an efficiency standpoint. If conserving battery life of your device is important - for instance, in an emergency situation - switching a connection to 3G can be optimal. As smartphones became increasingly popular, the demand for a wireless connection rose as consumers wanted a more accessible which actually drove the standard forward towards the development of the 4G network.

These towers make sure that there is wide coverage of the signal while also being reliable, strong, and responsive when it comes to transmitting and receiving information. The strength of the signals does vary depending on the geographical location of the user; as the user is farther from the tower, the signal will weaken.

Users also have to take into account that there will be some downtime in between services if a user strays too far from a tower since the signal will have to switch to another tower that is closer. Most modern phones and smartphones already have the built-in ability to connect to 3G networks.

However, users need to be aware that older phones are not able to access 4G networks and can only access 3G networks. A typical 3G phone can connect to the internet at a maximum speed of up to 21Mbps, whereas a 4G phone can do so at theoretical maximum speeds of Mbps.

In practice, right now the fastest 4G connection speed widely available the UK is 60Mbps, which you can get if you're on EE and in a location where it has upgraded its network. Availability of the super-fast service is set to be extended next year. It's quite safe to say that any smartphone you buy today will work on a 3G network but 4G can be a little more complicated.

Before buying your new phone check the specifications to see if it's 4G ready. When you compare handset deals with Uswitch you can scroll down below the table to find the features tab. In general, all heavily advertised, so-called flagship phones will offer 4G. But it's increasingly the norm on mid-range and even low-end smartphones too.

Because you're getting a faster connection and can do more with your handset, 4G contracts are more expensive than 3G. But with competition mounting, downward pressure in prices will eventually mean 4G smartphone contracts that are priced in line with 3G contracts.

Opting for a 4G tariff may cost you more than a 3G one but it's likely to be more cost effective in the long run because of the perks. For example you will get faster speeds and a stronger connection. Broadband provider now offers a 'good, honest' mobile service too.

It has been able to support high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing and much more. When a device is moving, as when you are walking with your phone or are in a car, the top speed can be 10s of mbps, and when the device is stationary, it can be s of mbps. The 20MHz bandwidth sector has peak capacity of Mbps. However, since users are sharing available sector capacity among others, observable speed experiences by users are typically in 10s s of mbps.

As more people get access to mobile devices and the Internet of Things expands, as many as 24 billion devices are expected to need cellular network support by One of the biggest differences between 4G and 5G will be peak capacity and latency. Also, the latency, or the time that passes from the moment information is sent from a device until it is used by a receiver, will be greatly reduced on 5G networks, allowing for faster upload and download speeds.

Another big difference between 4G and 5G is bandwidth size. What does all of this mean for you as a user and consumer? Greater amounts of information can transfer between devices faster than ever before, so high-density areas like airports and urban areas should experience fast speeds. Thanks to reduced latency and wider bandwidth, you should be able to stream a 4K video in seconds.

Learn about why 5G is a big deal with Verizon. Accessibility Resource Center Skip to main content. Our Company Overview.