Advice: 3G v 4G: Should you be upgrading?

By Daisy Group plc

02 Jul 2014

Matthew Riley, CEO at Daisy Group , discusses the impact of 4G connectivity and whether there is any reason for mobile users to stick with 3G

Last year was a big one for the mobile industry, especially in terms of connectivity. The roll out of superfast internet for mobile devices has given businesses the opportunity to progress to the next level. Network giants Vodafone, O2 and Three have all joined EE as recognised 4G suppliers, ensuring more of the UK is beginning to realise the potential of the next generation of mobile connectivity.

Speed

The main reason to upgrade ultimately comes down to speed. If you are constantly surfing the web, or utilising hosting solutions such as cloud computing, then you really should be upgrading. While 3G was the first service offering high speed mobile data, its speeds now pale in comparison to 4Gs, with networks offering average speeds up to five times faster.

The average download speed for 3G is a miserly 2Mbps (Megabytes per second). In comparison 4G can theoretically deliver speeds over 100Mbps – although this is an extremely unattainable figure so the average is nearer 15-20Mbps.

Upload speeds also dramatically differ. 3G speeds languish at 1-2 Mbps while 4G can offer closer to 12Mbps, ensuring it’s easier to upload any important files, helping you to maintain business continuity. There’s no doubt that 4G wins this round and is a necessity for those of you who use massive amounts of data.

Upgrade to 4G.

Coverage

Most of the UK has access to 3G connectivity – admittedly signal strength varies dependent on location – but nearly everyone has it. In comparison, approximately 70% of the UK currently has access to 4G. Driving the roll out has been EE who have predicted that over 90% of the population would have access to 4G connectivity by the end of 2014.

At the moment, though, there’s no point in purchasing a 4G phone if you don’t have access to the network. Therefore it’s worth checking on the respective provider’s sites whether you can actually receive it. That said, most 4G phones are backward compatible, allowing you to still connect to 3G when 4G isn’t available. For the time being at least, 3G wins this round.

Stick with 3G.

Usage

Naturally people have started to gravitate towards the newer form of technology. If you plan to use your phone to aid remote working, or use lots of data and applications, then the logical choice would is to upgrade to 4G. The improved connectivity allows you to conduct more business on the go. However, there is still a lot of people for whom 3G works just fine. Personally, I’d advise those who use their mobile primarily for voice purposes that the upgrade isn’t worthwhile. In fact sticking with 3G will actually ensure that you can save money and also have a longer battery life.

Upgrade to 4G.

So there you have it. If you’re only bothered about coverage, you may as well stick with 3G. But for using your phone for much more than just calls, I’d highly recommend that you upgrade to the fourth generation of mobile connectivity.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about mobile connectivity and how it can help benefit your business, please feel free to call us on 0800 040 8888 or visit www.daisygroupplc.com to discuss your options further.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Daisy Group plc

Latest news

1

Napthens advises Calico Homes on land acquisition for £23m Dovestone Gardens extra care facility in Burnley Paul Hardy

Napthens advises Calico Homes on land acquisition for £23m Dovestone Gardens extra care facility in Burnley

21 May 2025

2

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

3

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

4

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

5

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin