2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G are different generations of cellular network technologies, each offering varying levels of speed, capacity, and capabilities. Here's a brief overview of each:

• 2G (2nd Generation): 2G technology introduced digital voice communication and text messaging (SMS) to mobile phones. It provided basic data services such as email and limited internet access at slow speeds. 2G networks are mainly used for voice calls and text messaging.
  
• 3G (3rd Generation): 3G networks improved data transfer rates significantly compared to 2G. They allowed for faster internet browsing, video calling, and multimedia services. 3G networks were the first to provide broadband-like speeds on mobile devices.
  
• 4G (4th Generation): 4G networks brought substantial improvements in data speeds and overall network performance. They enabled high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and other data-intensive applications. 4G was a significant step towards the mobile internet we use today.
  
• 5G (5th Generation): 5G is the latest generation of cellular technology, designed to offer even higher data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a vast number of devices simultaneously. It promises to support advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In New Zealand all of the cellular networks have announced plans to shut down their 3G networks to free up resources for the newer technologies. There's a summary below for each network with their plans for 3G. One NZ is the only network in New Zealand currently offering 2G services.

Spark
Spark have announced that they'll be closing down the 3G network towards the end of 2025.
See details here Spark 3G shutdown.

One NZ
One NZ have announced that they'll start to shutdown their 3G network from September 2024.
See details here One NZ 3G shutdown.

2Degrees
2Degrees have also announced they will be shutting down their 3G network towards the end of 2025.
​See 2Degrees 3G shutdown.

Careful placement of aerials, also known as antennas, is of paramount importance for ensuring cellular connections perform well. This is due to several reasons:

• Signal Strength: The primary function of an antenna is to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. By positioning antennas thoughtfully, maximum signal strength can be achieved. This translates into better call quality, faster data speeds, and overall improved performance for cellular users.
• Signal Quality: The placement of antennas directly influences signal quality. For instance, when antennas are installed indoors or in areas with significant obstructions, they may lead to weaker signals and potential signal reflections, ultimately causing signal degradation.
• Avoiding Shadow Zones: Antennas must be strategically positioned to minimize the existence of "shadow zones" where the cellular signal becomes weak or non-existent. These areas are typically formed by obstacles such as tall buildings or natural features. Careful antenna placement plays a pivotal role in mitigating these issues and ensuring more consistent reception.

Consider the following when locating aerials:
Location

• External windows or near external walls are best, the less walls the signal passes through the better. Each wall degrades the signal by up to 97%. 
• Keep out of basements where possible, these are concrete and will degrade the signal, often requiring an external aerial to be fitted.
• Do not stick patch aerials on metal surfaces ie FAP

Height

• Height is everything when connecting to the cellular network. Install the aerial as high as you can to avoid interruptions.

Placement & Direction

• For Fixed & Patch aerials - Install both aerials vertical and parallel, at a distance of 150-350mm apart.

Interruptions

• People or vehicles can interrupt the cellular signal, keep the aerials high and away from high traffic areas.
• Areas with high RF can also cause interruptions, try to keep away from switchboards/data rooms etc. if possible.

Materials

• Glass is ideal for allowing the RF signal to pass through. Installing the patch aerials on a window is the best internal location.
• Steel blocks RF signal, try to keep the aerials away from steel beams, sprinkler pipes etc.

If you'd like to be notified when we post new blog articles, or to access our comprehensive installer guides, register with this site. You can do this by clicking 'Login' and then following the registration process.