Information
Definition
3G is a third-generation mobile network technology that was historically used by some EV charge points and cellular modems for backend communication. In the UK it should now be treated as a retired legacy technology, with major operators having switched off or decommissioned 3G service and new deployments expected to use 4G, 5G or fixed connectivity.
Why it matters
It matters because EV chargers relying on 3G-only communication can lose backend access, remote monitoring, authorisation, payment or diagnostics as mobile networks are retired. UK charger selection should avoid 3G-only hardware and plan upgrades for legacy equipment.