topic Re: How do I know if my network is 4G? in Mobile Broadband

How do I know if my network is 4G?

Awfulblackspot — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 12:54:53 GMT

How do I know if my local network is 4G? I am worried about when the 3G is turned off as I rely completely on this. It is really important as I cannot get broadband any other way (No phone line available, only other system is 'dial up' and dont want to go back there!). My phone signal is poor but my mobile internet signal is OK currently 23 download and 8 upload. No 4G or LTE showing on my phone.

Re: How do I know if my network is 4G?

Christopher_G — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 14:31:39 GMT

Hi @Awfulblackspot

It would usually tell you at the top whether you're connected over 3G or 4G. What does the coverage checker estimate your signal should be like.

Chris

Re: How do I know if my network is 4G?

bristolian — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 15:07:25 GMT

There's a popular misconception that a particular technology - in your case 3G - is better because it covers some locations where others don't. Coverage levels are dictated much more by the frequencies in use, not the technology. There are some very rare cases where individual radio sites are equipped with one technology but not others, but the vast majority of EE's sites carry 4G on at least Band 20 or Band 3.

In your phone's network connections menu there should be an option to force network modes of 2G, 2G/3G or auto. Try selecting 2G-only, as this will be a good test of whether 2G1800 is available in your area - if you're in a rare location where 4G isn't deployed, then your phone will fall back to 2G if that's available. Calls & texts should be fine over 2G1800, but data will only be usable for the most basic functions.