The first 3G network in the UK was launched back in 2003. However, in the coming weeks, Virgin Media O2 will cease to offer 3G service across much of the UK.
This follows the lead of both BT/EE and Vodafone, who withdrew their 3G services in 2024. Though isolated pockets remain for slightly longer.
Commenting on the shut off, legal firm Marks & Clerk noted that this is effectively the end of 3G service in the UK for the vast majority of users.
“Whilst this may represent a source of frustration for users of older handsets, the withdrawal of 3G services should enable spectrum reallocation to 4G and 5G services, thereby improving the coverage and performance of these later generations,” the firm said.
The rise of new tech
While the decline of 3G marks the end of the era, it also highlights some of the interesting directions that both 5G and 6G services are developing in, Marks & Clerk said.
Of particular interest are the applications of AI and machine learning (ML) to 5G-Advanced, with the long-term goal of facilitating future generations of mobile networks that are AI-native.
Specifically, it pointed to three key enhancements to 5G-Advanced which should offer significant benefits to users:
- AI/ML-based UE positioning, including deriving UE location based on ML Models in the Location Management Function (LMF) rather than on signaling measurements exchanged with the network, thereby improving the accuracy of UE positioning. This means devices can be located more precisely by using artificial intelligence algorithms in the network infrastructure itself, rather than relying on traditional signal strength measurements, which could enhance applications like emergency services, navigation, and location-based services.
- Using ML Models to analyse quality of service (QoS) input parameters and predicting the quality of experience (QoE) for a list of QoS parameter sets, enabling an application’s quality requirements to be met more efficiently. In practical terms, this means the network can intelligently anticipate what level of performance different applications need and adjust resources accordingly, ensuring users get smooth video streaming, clear voice calls, or responsive gaming experiences without wasting network capacity.
- Mitigating unexpected surges in signalling, which may reduce the QoS provided by identifying the UEs and/or RAN nodes responsible for the increased load. This enhancement allows the network to quickly detect which devices or network components are causing congestion during peak usage times and take corrective action, helping maintain consistent performance for all users even when the network comes under sudden strain.
“For example, the benefits offered by these developments could be experienced by users while trying to navigate congested urban pathways, or when streaming music on the train during rush hour,” the firm said.
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