United Kingdom

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United Kingdom

Mobile networks and carriers in United Kingdom use 2 GSM bands, 2 UMTS bands, 8 LTE bands, and 7 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in United Kingdom. See the tables below for details.

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The United Kingdom has a well-developed mobile network infrastructure, with significant advancements over the years. Here is a brief overview of the country's mobile network development and current state:

History of Mobile Network Development

  1. Early Days: The UK's mobile network history began with the introduction of the first commercial telegraph company in the 19th century. This marked the beginning of telecommunications in the UK, laying the groundwork for future technological advancements.

  2. 2G and 3G: The UK transitioned to 2G in the 1990s, followed by the introduction of 3G in the early 2000s. These technologies significantly improved mobile communication capabilities, enabling text messaging and early mobile internet access.

  3. 4G: The deployment of 4G technology started around 2010, bringing faster data speeds and a more robust mobile broadband experience. This transition was crucial for the widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile internet services.

  4. 5G: The UK is currently in the process of deploying 5G networks, which promise even faster speeds and lower latency. This technology is expected to support emerging applications such as the connected car, smart homes, and enhanced IoT devices.

Current State

  1. Customer Base: The UK has a large and active mobile user base, with 111.8 million mobile subscriptions and 87 million active mobile devices. This represents a high penetration rate, with 98% of the adult population owning a mobile phone.

  2. Internet of Things (IoT): The UK is at the forefront of IoT adoption, with 25 million connected devices currently using mobile networks. This number is expected to rise to 30 billion by 2030, driven by applications such as smart meters, connected cars, and environmental monitoring.

  3. 5G Coverage: While 5G is still in the early stages of deployment, it is expected to cover around 73-82% of premises by at least one mobile network operator and up to 12-22% by all operators.

  4. Investment and Coverage: Mobile operators invest around £2 billion annually in new network infrastructure, which accounts for approximately 5% of all investment in plant and machinery in the UK. This investment aims to enhance network capabilities, increase capacity, and improve geographic coverage.

  5. Speed and Demand: The average data consumption per subscriber has significantly increased, from 470 megabytes in 2013 to 8 gigabytes per month. Mobile broadband speeds have also improved dramatically, with 4G offering speeds of 14-32 megabits per second and early 5G deployments reaching speeds of 130-240 megabits per second.

  6. Economic and Social Impact: The mobile network sector contributes significantly to the UK economy, with an estimated consumer surplus of £40 billion annually. Mobile connectivity also plays a crucial role in social inclusion, emergency services, and access to various government services and healthcare applications.

In summary, the UK's mobile network development has been marked by significant technological advancements, from the early days of telegraphy to the current deployment of 5G. The country's mobile infrastructure is robust, with a high penetration rate, extensive IoT adoption, and ongoing investment in network capabilities.

Carriers

Select a carrier to see frequency details
Name # of frequency bands in use
3 (Three) 10
EE (Everything Everywhere) 10
O2 12
Virgin Mobile 2
Vodafone 12

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Frequencies in use

GSM

Name Interface
900 MHz (E-GSM) GSM
1800 MHz (DCS) GSM

UMTS

Name Interface
B1 (2100 MHz) UMTS
B8 (900 MHz GSM) UMTS

LTE

Name Interface
B1 (2100 MHz) LTE
B3 (1800 MHz +) LTE
B7 (2600 MHz) LTE
B8 (900 MHz) LTE
B20 (800 MHz DD) LTE
B28 (700 MHz APT) LTE
B32 (1500 MHz L-band) LTE
B38 (TD 2600 MHz) LTE

5G NR

Name Interface
N1 (2100 MHz) 5G NR
N3 (1800 MHz) 5G NR
N7 (2600 MHz) 5G NR
N8 (900 MHz) 5G NR
N28 (700 MHz) 5G NR
N77 (3700 MHz) 5G NR
N78 (3500 MHz) 5G NR

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