Best Remote Working Solutions for UK Businesses (2026 Guide)
12 January 2026
The UK government does not want to get rid of 3G technology. Some mobile network services in the UK have now announced they have plans to phase out the 3G network in an effort to free up space for newer and faster 4G and 5G networks.
The main reason networks have decided to do this is to improve capacity and speed. As new phones are being released, 4G and 5G networks offer much faster download and upload speeds and can support more users simultaneously compared with 3G networks.
Using these new networks is becoming more and more important as more people access the Internet using their mobile devices using data-intensive applications, for example video streaming and playing online games.
Some mobile network operators will be phasing out their 3G networks, while others will continue to support 3G for quite a while longer.
As there are still lots of people who use 3G devices and rely on 3G coverage in certain areas, this may become a problem if you are with one of the networks which are phasing out 3G.
4G and 5G are both advanced mobile networks that offer many more advantages over older technologies like 3G. Here are some key benefits of using 4G and 5G networks:
You will get faster data speeds: The 4G network can deliver download speeds increased to more than 10 times faster than 3G networks. This means you can download large files and stream videos much faster and more smoothly than if you were using a 3G network with minimal disruption.
Better network capacity:
4G networks can support more users simultaneously as well as devices than the 3G network ever could. This helps reduce congestion and improve your overall network performance.
Lower latency:
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel between your device and the network.
4G networks have lower latency than 3G networks. As a result, this can help reduce delays when using real-time applications like video calls and online games.
Even faster data speeds:
5G can deliver download speeds that are up to 100 times faster than 4G networks. This means you can download and stream large files and even watch 4K/8K videos almost immediately.
Better network capacity:
5G networks can support up to one million devices per square kilometre, which is alot more than 4G networks ccan.
This means many more devices can be connected to the network at the same time, making it easier to support the growing number of connected devices on the Internet
Lower latency:
5G networks have even lower latency than 4G networks.
This means you can expect almost instant responses when using real-time applications like virtual reality and augmented reality.
Overall, when you compare the benefits of 4G and 5G networks they include faster data speeds, increased network capacity, lower latency, and better support for advanced applications. Therefore if you are someone who used the Internet on your mobile device a lot and has not yet moved over to 4G/5G then this is definitely something to consider.
Has already started closing services for 3G and plans to have completely phased out by December 2023
Is phasing out throughout 2023 with the goal to be completed by 2024
Three: Closed 3G offerings by the end of 2024
Has not yet announced its plans. O2 will be the only provider still offering 3G network services by 2025.
To check if your phone is compatible with 4G networks you can check this online. Search the make and model of your phone or head over to your manufacturer’s website i.e., Apple, Google Pixel, Samsung etc. and see if the specifications include 4G or LTE.
You may also be able to check this using your phone settings, depending on your phone’s operating system.
On Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode. If you’re using a dual-Sim phone, tap the active Sim.
On iPhone: Settings > General > Cellular.
On Windows phones: Settings > Cellular + Sim > Highest connection speeds.
With many providers phasing out the offering of 3G networks the closer this date gets the more likely we could see a price rise for 4G and 5G tariffs. Making the switch early will ensure you are ahead of the game. Compare deals now!
Need a mobile phone repair?
You’re device is on an Unsupported Windows Operating System for your security, please contact us.
Team Productivity:
You and your team are able to see where they are using their time and how productive they are actually being. Also they are able to clock in and out, so really good for flexi-working.
Team Monitoring:
If you would like to know what your team is doing and how productive they are being, we are able to monitor them and create screenshots of what they are working on. This can be run in normal or stealth mode.
Book a FREE fact finding session to discuss the different options.
We proactively seek opportunities to support good causes for our community.
From sponsoring local community football teams, to engaging with charity fundraiser days, we believe it’s important to continually strive to do good for the better of others.
We have members who volunteer with youth organisations, are engaged with the Round Table, run marathons and volunteer at events where we may be needed. Every charity receives a discounted IT and Telecoms service too.
Protecting your digital data is crucial for every business and this can start with the industry-leading security we offer. The Syn-Star specialists can help with identifying any vulnerabilities within your IT systems and act accordingly to ensure cyber-attacks and data breaches are mitigated.
Your business will never fall behind with its technology when you work with Syn-Star.
We understand IT and Telecoms for your business is an investment, but it’s important to use the best resources available to enable the growth of your business. Our IT Consultancy and Virtual IT Director Services are available to support you with how you use your business technology for years to come.
Syn-Star can conduct quick and easy phishing exercises to identify people within your team who need to improve on their knowledge around fraudulent emails and how they can be alerted to these threats.
At Syn-Star, our experts can proactively work to understand exactly what software you need to support with the business operations. Whether you need a listening ear on what software to choose, or would like to seek some specialist knowledge, we’re here to help where we can.
At Syn-Star, we keep Telecoms simple. There’s so much available to help UK companies with their communications. VoIP systems, fixed landline, cloud phone systems, SIP trunking and more. Contact us for further details.
Desk phones, cordless phones or conference phones, Syn-Star can provide you with whatever you need.
From conference calling facilities to the headsets which work best for your team, we’re able to provide all the equipment you need and complete any telecoms job from start to finish.
There is no need to be in the office to make and receive phone calls from your company’s number. Our market-leading Telecoms platform gives you the flexibility of desk phones, soft phones and mobile apps as standard.
Whether your team works remotely, or perhaps staff are on a business trip anywhere in the world, calls can still be made, and people are reachable via phone wherever they go.
With a range of products, our team can support you by installing exactly what you need for internet connectivity. We work with the very best products to provide speedy bandwidths which play a part in the increased productivity of your team.
