Upgrading Your Network Experience

2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G are successive generations of mobile telecommunications networks. Each generation represents a major advancement in data speed, network architecture, capacity, and supported services.

1. 2G – Second Generation (Digital Voice Era)

Introduced in the early 1990s, 2G replaced analog mobile networks with digital technology.

Primary purpose

• Digital voice calls
• SMS (text messaging)

Key technologies

• GSM
• EDGE

Typical speeds

• ~50–200 kbps

2. 3G – Mobile Data Expansion

Introduced in the early 2000s, 3G enabled practical mobile internet access.

Primary purpose

• Mobile web browsing
• Email
• Video calls
• Early smartphone applications

Key technologies

• UMTS
• HSPA

Typical speeds

• 1–10 Mbps

3. 4G – High-Speed Mobile Broadband

Launched around 2010, 4G significantly improved mobile broadband performance.

Primary purpose

• High-speed internet
• Video streaming
• Mobile gaming
• Cloud services

Good for

• Streaming, browsing, apps

Key technologies

• LTE

Typical speeds

• 50–300 Mbps (can exceed 1 Gbps with LTE-Advanced)

4. 5G – Next Generation Connectivity

Commercially deployed from around 2019 onward.

Primary purpose

• Ultra-fast data
• Massive device connectivity
• Low-latency applications

Good for

• Instant downloads
• HD/4K streaming
• Lag-free gaming

Typical speeds

• 1–10 Gbps (depending on spectrum)

Generation Comparison

Generation	Main Capability	Typical Speed	Key Use
2G	Digital voice & SMS	<0.2 Mbps	Basic communication
3G	Mobile internet	1–10 Mbps	Early smartphone data
4G	Mobile broadband	50–300 Mbps	Streaming, apps, cloud
5G	Ultra-fast connectivity	1–10 Gbps	IoT, automation, real-time services

Technology is evolving - and so are the ways we connect. Today, customers rely on their mobile connection for everything from staying in touch to running businesses. To support this growing demand, we're continuously upgrading our network to deliver:

• Faster data speeds
• Clearer voice calls
• More reliable, stable connections

This means moving towards more advanced technologies like 4G (LTE) and 5G, which are designed for a better, more seamless experience.

New SIM cards are based on latest standards that has benefit to support latest voice technology, improved security features and expanded storage. This allows new capabilities as the network is evolving and ensuring customer is offered best service and not left behind.

Check whether you’re using the latest Cell C SIM. As the network is upgraded toward newer technologies like 4G (LTE) and 5G (including services like VoLTE), older SIM cards may not support the best voice quality, security features, or full network compatibility. Updating your SIM helps ensure you continue to get the improved voice and data experience.

A SIM swap is the process of transferring your mobile number from one SIM card to another SIM card. The mobile network operator updates its systems so that your phone number and associated services are activated on the new SIM, while the old SIM becomes inactive.

1. How a SIM Swap Works

• A new SIM card is issued by the mobile operator.
• The operator authenticates the subscriber (identity verification).
• The mobile number (MSISDN) and subscriber profile are reassigned from the old SIM to the new SIM in the network systems (HLR/HSS/UDM).
• The old SIM is deactivated, and the new SIM becomes active on the network.

2. Common Reasons You May Need a SIM Swap

SIM-related reasons

• Upgrade to a new SIM type – e.g., moving from standard SIM to nano-SIM or eSIM.

Network or service reasons

• Network upgrade or technology migration – for example moving from older SIM profiles to support services like VoLTE or 5G.

No. SIM swap process does not result in the subscriber losing their number. The subscriber will be able to retain their mobile number.

No upgrade required. A physical SIM card has different sizes that can fit into different SIM slots in all phones. Customers will need to determine the size of their SIM slot in their phone and when inserting the new SIM card, choose the right size to fit into their specific phones.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a technology that allows voice calls to be carried over a 4G LTE data network instead of using legacy 2G or 3G circuit-switched voice networks. It converts voice into IP data packets and transmits them using the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) architecture within the mobile operator’s core network.

1. How VoLTE Works

Traditional mobile voice calls use circuit-switched networks (2G/3G). VoLTE uses packet-switched LTE data networks.

2. Key Benefits

A more reliable calling experience

Higher voice quality

• Uses HD Voice (wideband codecs) resulting in clearer audio.

Faster call setup

• Calls typically connect in ~1–2 seconds vs ~5–7 seconds on 3G.

Simultaneous voice and high-speed data

• Users remain on 4G during calls, allowing uninterrupted data sessions.

Network efficiency

• Frees up 2G/3G spectrum for refarming to LTE/5G.

With VoLTE, customers can talk and use mobile data at the same time without interruptions, experience fewer dropped calls, and benefit from improved indoor coverage. VoLTE also keeps customers connected as older networks are phased out, ensuring continued access to voice services on modern smartphones and enabling readiness for future technologies.

In most cases, yes - but the process is quick. After you’ve been assisted (or directed) to *655-08,follow these steps:

• Step 1: Update your phone software
• iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update
• Android: Settings > Software update / System update (wording may differ by device)
• Step 2: Switch VoLTE on
• iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service/Cellular > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data > turn on VoLTE (if you don't see a VoLTE option, it may already be enabled by default).
• Android: Settings > Mobile network/SIMs > select your Cell C SIM > turn on VoLTE calls.
• Step 3: Set network selection to Automatic
• iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service/Cellular > Network Selection > turn on Automatic.
• Android: Settings > Mobile network/Connections/SIMs > Network operators/Carrier > turn on Auto select (or Automatic).

If you still can’t make VoLTE calls after this, restart your phone and try again, or contact Cell C support/store for assistance.

• You will receive a communication via SMS or Whatsapp
• Your SIM is old (not LTE/5G compatible)
• You cannot access 4G/5G or VoLTE services

1. Visit your nearest store or authorised retailer
2. Request a SIM swap or upgrade
3. Bring valid identification for verification
4. Insert the new RICA ’ed SIM and restart your phone

5G is the latest mobile network generation designed for:

• Faster speeds
• Lower delay (latency)
• More connected devices

Recommended if you want the best performance and future-ready connectivity

5G delivers faster data speeds, lower latency, and a more responsive mobile experience compared to previous network generations. Customers on 5G can enjoy smoother video streaming, faster downloads and uploads, improved performance for gaming and video calls, and more reliable connectivity during peak usage times.

In many cases:

• Existing LTE SIMs may support 5G

However:

• A newer SIM ensures full compatibility and performance

Best practice:

• Upgrade your SIM to avoid limitations

5G Coverage is not available nation-wide but coverage continues to be improved.

5G itself does not use more data, but customers may use data faster because activities load quicker and run at higher quality. For example, videos may stream in higher resolution, apps update faster, and downloads complete more quickly, which can feel like data is used faster. In practice, customers on 5G tend to use more data because the experience is smoother and more engaging - not because the network consumes extra data in the background. Customers remain fully in control of their usage through their normal data bundles, usage tracking, and device settings.