3G, 4G, 5G: Why Mobile Networks Keep Changing

Have you ever wondered:
«Why are there always new mobile networks?»

In the past, 2G was the standard. Then came 3G, followed by 4G – and today, everyone is talking about 5G. In Switzerland, the 3G network has already been switched off to make room for modern technologies.

But what’s behind this development? And what does it mean for you as a user?

20.02.2025 | Reading time: 3 minutes

From 2G to 5G – A Short Journey Through Mobile History

Mobile networks keep evolving because the way we use our phones keeps changing.

2G – Calling and Texting

With 2G, it all began:

• Making calls
  
  
• Sending SMS
  
  
• Very slow internet
  
  

Today, 2G is hardly usable anymore and plays almost no role in daily life.

3G – The Beginning of Mobile Internet

With 3G, mobile browsing became truly possible:

• Checking emails on the go
  
  
• First social media apps
  
  
• Simple websites
  
  

At the time, this was revolutionary. But modern applications quickly pushed 3G to its limits. That’s why 3G has now been switched off in Switzerland.

More information: https://www.yallo.ch/de/3g

4G (LTE) – Fast Internet for Everyday Life

With 4G, modern mobile internet arrived:

• High-quality streaming
  
  
• Video calls
  
  
• Fast downloads
  
  
• Stable connections
  
  

Today, 4G is the foundation for most smartphone users.

5G – The Network of the Future

5G is the latest mobile standard and offers:

• Even higher speeds
  
  
• Shorter response times
  
  
• Greater stability
  
  
• Better network capacity
  
  

This makes 5G ideal for modern apps, smart devices, and future technologies.

Why Are Old Networks Switched Off?

Many people ask: «Why not just keep 3G running?»

The reason is simple: radio frequencies are limited.
A network cannot operate unlimited technologies at the same time. Old systems must make room for new ones.

By switching off 3G, providers can:

• Use more capacity for 4G and 5G
  
  
• Improve network quality
  
  
• Save energy
  
  
• Operate more efficiently
  
  

In the end, everyone benefits.

What Does This Mean for Your Phone?

Today, your smartphone needs:

• 4G (LTE) or 5G
• VoLTE for calls
  
  

Without these technologies, calling and browsing may no longer work reliably.

Overview:

Only 3G -> No longer usable

4G with VoLTE -> Fully usable

5G ->Future-proof

You can find this information in your settings under «Mobile Network» or «Mobile Data».

How Do yallo Customers Benefit?

In Switzerland, providers like Sunrise and Swisscom continuously invest in modern networks. As a yallo customer, you benefit directly.

With a compatible smartphone, you get:

• Fast mobile internet
  
  
• Stable call quality
  
  
• Excellent coverage
  
  
• Modern technology at no extra cost
  
  
  

Why This Development Matters to All of Us

Our usage keeps changing:

• We stream more
  
  
• We work remotely
  
  
• We use cloud services
  
  
• We make video calls
  
  
• We connect more devices
  
  

Without modern networks, this wouldn’t be possible.

New standards ensure that:

• Networks don’t become overloaded
  
  
• Connections stay stable
  
  
• Innovation is possible
  
  
• The environment is protected
  
  
  

Do You Need a New Smartphone?

Only if your device is very old and supports only 3G.

A modern smartphone offers:


✔️ Higher speed
✔️ Better connection
✔️ Longer battery life
✔️ More security updates
✔️ Future-proofing

Most devices from recent years are already compatible.

Conclusion – Why New Networks Are Necessary

From 2G to 3G to 5G: mobile technology keeps evolving – because our lives are becoming more digital.

3G is now history. 4G and 5G ensure that you stay connected reliably, quickly, and flexibly.

If your smartphone supports these standards, you are well prepared.

With yallo, you stay modern, fair, and reliably connected.