4G in 2025: Satellite Integration, IoT Growth & the Shift Toward 5G

In 2025, even as tech companies race to 5G while experimenting with 6G technologies, 4G will remain the foundation of mobile connectivity. 4G is still used by billions in developed markets and emerging ones. Although 5G promises faster speeds and a lower latency than 4G, its reliability, affordability and widespread coverage make it hard to ignore.

By 2025, 4G will be evolving and not disappearing. Satellite integration, IoT development, and enterprise-private networks have reshaped how 4G is integrated into global connectivity. This article will explore 4G's role in the world today, as well as its innovations and challenges. We'll also discuss what this means for the Bangladesh mobile phone network connectivity.

Is 4G Still Relevant in 2025?

The reality, however, is quite different. Nearly half of mobile subscriptions are still 4G. The emerging economies of Asia and Africa are still heavily reliant on 4G due to its affordability and wide device compatibility.

In Bangladesh, users continue to choose 4G as their default option. Students, professionals and rural communities can all access the internet on a daily basis. Although 5G will gradually expand, 4G remains the best option for affordable smartphones and data plans.

Satellite Integration Expands 4G Reach

In 2025, the combination of satellite and 4G technology will be a major development. Satellite-powered calls powered by smartphones have been successfully demonstrated by companies like AST SpaceMobile, Vodafone, and others.

It means remote areas, such as islands and villages that are prone to disasters, can enjoy reliable internet connectivity without relying solely on towers. Satellite-enhanced, 4G coverage could change the game for Bangladesh's river islands, hill tracts, and coastal areas, which are often under-covered.

By 2026, hybrid networks combining 4G terrestrial coverage with satellite internet coverage are expected to spread across Europe and Asia.

IoT Growth Depends on 4G

The Internet of Things is expected to boom by 2025 with more than 75 billion connected devices worldwide. Although 5G has received a lot of attention, the 4G network is the foundation of IoT. The 4G network is capable of handling billions of low-power wide-area connections, from smart homes to logistics, agriculture, and healthcare.

This trend is further boosted by the emergence of eSIM/iSIM technology. They allow IoT to change networks from a distance, increase speed, and save money by eliminating SIM cards. The 4G IoT solution is helping Bangladeshi farmers to monitor their crops, irrigation and supply chain more effectively.

Security & 4G in the 5G Era

Many devices are still using 4G as a fallback. It creates new problems. Researchers recently discovered the "5Ghoul", a downgrade attack that allows hackers to force 5G devices down into 4G, and then exploit old vulnerabilities.

Operators are using end-to-end cryptography, advanced firewalls and real-time threat detection to combat this. Since millions of Bangladeshi users rely on 4G, it is crucial that telecom operators in Bangladesh improve security.

Private 4G Networks for Enterprises

Private 4G networks are also becoming more popular among enterprises. Industries such as manufacturing, ports and airports, smart cities, and the aviation industry are all setting up 4G networks for low-latency communication and reliability.

Enterprises choose 4G networks globally because they're cheaper, more mature, and still meet most of their business requirements. Logistics hubs and factories in Asia are already testing such configurations. Bangladesh's export sectors (such as RMG and Shipping) could follow suit soon.

The Shift Toward 5G – But Not Goodbye to 4G

Ericsson Mobility Report states that 5G subscribers will exceed 4G in 2027. However, this does not mean 4G will disappear. In many areas, 5G will be a coexistence with 4G, and 4G will be an alternative.

This means that 4G data plans and phones will still be affordable for everyday users even when premium users move to satellite-powered 5G networks. Telecom operators are investing in LTE Advanced technologies such as carrier aggregation, MIMO and more to maintain the speed of 4G networks.

4G in Bangladesh – Current Market Snapshot

Bangladesh has made massive progress in expanding 4G access. As of 2025:

• Coverage: Over 95% of the population is within 4G range.
  

• Operators: Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk are upgrading both 4G and 5G simultaneously.
  

• User Base: A majority of mobile internet users are still on 4G due to affordability.
  

• Future Plans: Telecoms are investing in 4G+ (LTE-Advanced Pro) to improve speed and capacity, while gradually expanding 5G in Dhaka, Chattogram, and major cities.
  

In Bangladesh, the 4G network is still the best option for students, rural residents, freelancers, and other communities. It's also cost-effective. Although 5G is expected to grow in the future, 4G remains essential for digital inclusion at a national level.

Last Thoughts

In 2025, 4G will still be relevant. It's evolving through satellite integration, IoT and private networks. Although the 5G network is the way of the future, it will still serve millions of users around the world, particularly in developing nations.

Bangladesh's journey towards 5G will be important but for now, 4G remains the backbone of its connectivity. Students studying online and farmers using IoT devices will still need 4G in the coming decade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Will 4G still work in 2025?

A. In 2025, the 4G network will still be widely used with nearly 4,9 billion subscriptions. Although 5G has a rapid expansion, 4G will remain essential because of its wide coverage and affordability.

Q. How is satellite technology improving 4G?

A. The integration of satellites allows signals to be transmitted to remote locations that are not reachable by traditional towers. Companies like AST SpaceMobile, Vodafone, and others have tested satellite-powered 4G by 2025. This means that rural areas and those underserved will benefit from better connectivity.

Q. Why is 4G important for IoT devices?

A. The Internet of Things is heavily dependent on 4G to connect billions of devices. Cost-effective and reliable 4G networks support IoT technologies such as smart homes, wearables, agriculture, logistics, and eSIM.

Q. Is 4G secure in the 5G era?

A. But there are some issues. Hackers may force the devices to switch from 5G back to 4G in order to expose older vulnerabilities. In order to prevent this from happening, operators use end-to-end encryption as well as advanced threat detection systems in their 4G networks.

Q. What is the future of 4G in Bangladesh?

A. In Bangladesh, 4G is available to over 95% of the population. Students, rural users, and freelancers still find it the most affordable and accessible option. While 5G is expanding in major cities, the 4G network will still dominate mobile use for many years.

Q. Will 5G completely replace 4G?

A. Not anytime soon. Experts predict that 4G and 5G will coexist well into the 2030s. 4G will continue to serve as a fallback and primary network in areas where 5G coverage or affordability is limited.