4G: Everything you need to know
With 4G being rapidly rolled out across the UK, we take a look at the potential benefits and problems that come with it

Where is 4G headed next?
Now that all four networks are offering 4G services to their customers, the burning question is where do we go from here?
The first things to happen, as history tells us, is that consumer confidence will rise, prices will drop and the technology will grow over the next couple of years. Previous predictions suggested 4G coverage in the UK would reach 98 per cent by the end of 2014 but, with data usage rising all of the time, will what the networks are offering be enough?
Whether it's streaming a movie from home or taking advantage of 4G at work, the demand is already threatening to overtake the reality. As such, it's easy to imagine a time when users are demanding even faster, more reliable and ever-present internet speeds.
So how long until 5G is introduced? It's taken the better part of a decade for 3G to get an upgrade, but will it take as long for the life-span of 4G to run its course?
When discussing the development of mobile data offerings for the future, Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: "The demands for mobile data will only increase as millions more wireless devices connect to the internet and each other.
"We're looking at ways to use spectrum more efficiently and consider future releases of prime spectrum. By doing so, we can help to meet the significant demands placed on our wireless infrastructure and develop one of the world's leading digital economies."
The regulator also claimed the new spectrum could raise mobile data capacity by 25 times before 2030. This will likely help to support M2M communications and the development of the Internet of Things.
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.
You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.
-
The race is on for Higher Ed to adapt: Equity in hyflex learning
Hyflex courses can improve student wellbeing and engagement, but only with meeting technology that leaves no one behind
-
Gen Z workers are keen on AI in the workplace – but they’re still skeptical about the hype
News Younger workers could lead the shift to AI, but only think it can can manage some tasks
-
How Virgin Media O2 saved “millions” by enhancing data center efficiency
Case Study Reducing data center power consumption forms part of a broader sustainability drive at the telecoms giant
-
Medium businesses: Fuelling the UK’s economic engine
Whitepaper A Connected Thinking report
-
Vodafone and Altice launch €7 billion joint venture in Germany
News The British telco currently offers connections to over 24 million homes in Germany, its biggest market
-
EE rolls out 4G across Glasgow's underground network
News The network is currently restricted to EE customers but is likely to expand in the near future
-
Nokia and NASA join forces to bring 4G to the moon
News Cellular service will provide the communications needed for meaningful moon exploration
-
Birmingham crowned the fastest UK city for 4G download speeds
News While Birmingham also recorded the highest speed hike over 2019, London came in at a middling 9th place
-
Vodafone to remove Huawei equipment from its core networks
News The decision comes after PM capped Huawei’s involvement in building the UK’s 5G telecoms network
-
LTE vs 4G: Which is better?
In-depth Comparing LTE vs 4G has become common in recent years, but how exactly do they differ, and is 4G faster?