3G 4G Speed Test Guide

A key factor in the buying decision of many home broadband customers is speed, and mobile is no different - nobody wants to be growing old as web pages load, or pulling their hair out waiting for that important download.

3G mobile internet is sold with a 'max' speed of 7.2Mb (with the exception of Three, which has invested in improved 3G technology and claims max speeds of 21Mb). However, the 'max' is the important factor here – in our testing, we found these numbers don't really equate to the user experience at present. In our most recent Road Trip testing the average speed was actually below 5Mb with occasional highs of 20Mb.

Late in 2012, EE launched the UK's first 4G mobile broadband service - with the rest following in autumn 2013. 4G speeds dwarf those of 3G and the technology is taking over as 4G coverage expands nationwide, though 4G is still very patchy.

Where you can get a 4G signal, providers claim you should expect speeds of 8-12Mb. However, independent testing suggests a range far wider than this.

For the most up-to-date information on broadband speeds, check out the mobile broadband price comparison section on Broadband Genie. If you want to check your mobile broadband speed you can do so with our specialised mobile broadband speed test tool.

This application help you understand more about 3G/4G Speed Test.