Over the last decade, 4G LTE has powered Ireland’s mobile connectivity—fueling fast internet, high-quality calls, and seamless streaming across towns, cities, and the countryside. But with the expansion of 5G networks by major Irish providers like Vodafone, Three, and eir, a growing number of people are asking: Is 4G gradually on the way out in Ireland?
The Shift Toward 5G
5G is undeniably the next phase of mobile technology. Promising faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections, it’s already being rolled out in urban centres like Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. For businesses, hospitals, and universities in these areas, 5G offers a significant upgrade.
But while the excitement around 5G is real, 4G is still very much essential, especially across rural Ireland—where 5G signals can be inconsistent or entirely absent.
Is 4G Being Switched Off?
No. As of now, 4G is not being phased out in Ireland. It continues to be the primary network in many locations, especially in rural communities and coastal areas where 5G infrastructure is limited or under development.
In fact, most 5G-enabled phones in Ireland are built to fall back on 4G when a 5G signal isn’t available. This makes 4G a critical part of mobile coverage for the foreseeable future.
At the same time, 3G networks are being retired in Ireland (and across the EU), which means more devices are now relying on 4G as their base connection—resulting in increased demand and potential congestion in certain areas.
Why Your 4G Might Feel Slower
Some users in Ireland have reported a decline in 4G performance, and while 4G isn’t being switched off, several factors may explain the dip:
- Network congestion: With more users being pushed onto 4G after 3G shutdowns, rural masts are under heavier demand.
- Spectrum refarming: Mobile operators are reallocating some 4G frequencies to boost 5G performance, which can impact 4G speeds in affected zones.
- Coverage gaps: Ireland’s diverse landscape, thick building materials, and limited mast infrastructure in remote areas can cause poor indoor signal—even if outdoor coverage appears strong.
What Can You Do?
If you’re experiencing weak or inconsistent 4G signals especially indoors,there are solutions. One of the most effective is installing a legal, ComReg-compliant mobile signal booster.
Keep in mind companies like WaveBoosters, who specialise in improving 4G coverage for homes, businesses, care facilities, and hotels across Ireland. Our systems amplify existing signals to deliver reliable coverage in buildings where normal signals struggle to get through.
Whether you’re in a rural village in Mayo, a warehouse in Dublin, or a guesthouse in Kerry, we have scalable solutions tailored to your location and needs.
While 5G is expanding in Ireland, 4G is far from obsolete. It remains essential for everyday connectivity, especially in areas where 5G is still rolling out. If your 4G signal feels weaker, it may not be disappearing—it might just need a boost.