Technology moves fast. Faster than you may realise, depending on how much you’re involved. Telecoms, and connectivity in general, have improved and evolved greatly in the past year – mobile phones have had an update, the data they’re using has turned to 4G and 5G as standard and old systems have been turned off. It’s hard not to feel flustered sometimes. It’s always good to stop, take a minute and have a little catch-up. Come and join us.
Saying goodbye to 3G
3G has held strong for many years – since March 2003 to be exact. It’s done very well since then, but its time has come to an end. The switch off for many providers started in 2024 with remaining providers giving till early 2026 before switching off support.
EE, Vodafone & Three switched off their 3G networks from early 2024 to early 2025. Virgin Media O2 are allowing till early 2026. This should be plenty of time for you to move over to 4G and 5G services before losing out. Most mobiles have that capability anyway, which is a plus, but you’ll need to make sure your SIM is ready, otherwise you may be left in the dark and nobody likes the dark. We sure don’t.
Where could this affect you…
The easy answer is your mobile phones, but there are other less common options where you also need to be careful – card payment machines, vehicles, tablets, Wi-Fi hot spots and more.
Evaluate your business connectivity
Don’t be left behind – take action by:
- Auditing your hardware – It’s worth checking your tech to make sure you won’t be affected by dropouts.
- 4G and 5G capability – Ensure the tech you audited is 4G and 5G compatible.
- Chat to your provider – Ask them which SIMs under your account are in danger of being out-of-date, then upgrade those that need attention.
5G came in strong
Do you remember the days when 5G seemed too good to be true? Over the past year, it’s started to deliver. The futuristic concept of 5G seemed like the new fad, which could promise high download speeds, high upload speeds and general improved levels of connectivity.
It’s not just about sending and receiving files; for businesses, especially, it’s also about reliability and data capacities. 5G networks are designed to handle an increased number of devices, meaning in high-population areas, you can stay connected with reduced chances of drops. In short, when speaking to important customers and looking for that next big sale, there shouldn’t be any pesky interruptions.
To recap, you’ll see a smooth operating experience.
- Seamless access to cloud storage and improved connection on video calls.
- Instant connection – no longer having to wait for data to settle or for the data tower to catch up.
What does the future hold?
We’ve recently said goodbye to 3G and everyone’s now on the 5G train and the pace isn’t slowing down. What will the future hold? We’ve got a few ideas of how business connectivity will be…
1. The rise of eSIM
Some, if not most, haven’t needed to go down the eSIM route yet, but the change is coming at full speed. The iPhone Air, released at the end of 2025, has even locked the device down to eSIM only, removing the hardware for the SIM tray completely.
But why would switching to an eSIM be good for businesses?
- Instant setups – Get an employee set up in minutes.
- Dual SIM capabilities – Have an eSIM and a normal SIM (if your mobile can do both)
- Better security – You can’t lose an eSIM!
2. AI within the telecoms industry
Whether you’re a keen AI user or just aware of how it’s being used, you can’t dance around the topic without knowing how it’s slowly changing the working world. AI is starting to play a huge role in customer service and network management, with continued development happening in the background. It’s expected that you’ll face an AI agent before you talk to a human being, no matter the industry, with some going down the AI WhatsApp chat route too. Who knows – businesses could automate emails for outages or process cancellations with few issues at all. Whether you’re an AI whiz or not, it’s worth keeping in touch with the topic so you’re kept up to date.
Preparing your business for tomorrow
Just because your current telecoms solution works doesn’t mean it’s ready for the future. It might seem like something you can leave and not touch for a while, but you’d be surprised. Sticking with legacy tech can cost you money and productivity. With how business connectivity is evolving, make sure you don’t get left behind by reviewing your current setup.
Review your contracts – Don’t pay for contracts you’re not using or have too much data?
- Test your speed – Don’t be stuck with an old SIM that can’t handle 5G.
- Embrace the cloud – Efficiency and speed are key.
Secure your mobiles – Make sure they’re tracked and password protected.
It is, major networks are working on shutting down 3G to make way for fast 4G and 5G. It’s also to ensure you’re up to date, so it’s worth reviewing your current business mobile plans.
5G offers faster speeds, which means the general workload will become more efficient and more reliable, especially in busier areas.
An eSIM is built into the device. You’re able to set it up in your data settings and it’s much quicker – there’s no longer a need to wait for the SIM in the post. To get one, you’ll just have to chat to your existing provider, or new, and setup an eSIM account with them.
You should start by auditing your tech, especially business mobiles. You’d be surprised how important they are to you and the kick-back if they went wrong could be massive. Take some time and see if they’re ready and 4G/5G compatible.
Are you ready to upgrade your business connectivity? The future is calling.