We know tech can be tricky.

Sometimes, technology feels full of jargon, especially when it comes to acronyms or technical terms that aren’t always explained or just assumed as understood. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide. It explains how our service works, what can affect it, and what you can do to get the best possible experience.

Mobile phone services

A mobile telephone service usually includes three types of communication service: messaging, voice and data.

These are supported on a cellular network run by a mobile operator covering most of the country. The network works by letting users connect to others through the network.

Services are delivered by several different technology standards:

2G networks emerged around 1995 and supports voice calls and SMS, it has largely been replaced.

3G networks emerged in the early 2000s and is currently being retired across Ireland by network providers.

4G networks appeared around 2010, its still 4G is the most commonly used mobile network in Ireland. It lets you make clear calls, browse the internet, use apps, and watch videos smoothly across the country.

5G networks are the latest technology capable of much faster speeds than 4G and is available in most of the country.

Mobile phone services

Geography

A mobile network is made up of masts throughout the country. These are tall structures with antennas that broadcast and receive mobile signals. Buildings, mountains or forests can impact their ability to function. The further away a customer is from a given mast, the weaker their data service will be.

Inside Buildings

Buildings both old and new contain materials like insulation that can often block or limit mobile signals. This means you may not get full service indoors and that you may need to move to another indoor location or outside to improve your signal.

Many Users

If lots of people are using their phones in the same area such as concerts or rush hour in cities, customers may notice an impact on their signal or data speeds.

Your Device

Mobile networks use different types of signals—like 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G. But not every phone can connect to all of them.

So, if your network offers 4G or 5G but your phone doesn’t support it, you won’t be able to get those faster speeds.

Also, your phone might run slower if it needs a software update or if its storage is full—so keeping it updated and clearing space can help your service work better.

Applications used

Different applications need different speeds from a network in order to work properly. Sending or receiving emails can be done with lower speeds but uploading or downloading large items like video needs more. The less speed an application needs, the less likely it is to be interrupted by network congestion or poor coverage.

WiFi

Mobile phones can use nearby WiFi instead of the operator’s network. Once properly connected, users may not realise they’re using WiFi instead of the operator’s network. WiFi performance may not be as consistent as the operator’s network. You can switch from WiFi to your operator’s network in your device’s settings.

Call Quality

Your call quality can vary because of the factors above. Sometimes, a call may drop due to moving to, or being somewhere with poor coverage, eg the basement of a building or a remote forest. Dropped calls can also be caused by issues from the other person’s end.

Your Price Plan

The plan you’ve signed up to with your mobile operator may include a certain technology, e.g. you might have access to 4G but not 5G.

Your Price Plan

See section 3.17 of our General Terms and Conditions which provides further information regarding our Internet Services

See the Commission for Communications Regulation website (www.comreg.ie) which provides independent information on mobile services including ‘What factors limit or affect coverage in my area and the quality of my mobile experience?’