What is 4G? Just like 3G, 4G is a cellular wireless standard for sending data to and from cell phones, but it's the next step after 3G. Accordingly, it's much faster than 3G. This means 4G-equipped cell phones connecting to a 4G network can browse the Internet faster, download video faster, and do other stuff faster than 3G and 2G phones on 3G and 2G networks.
In order to be a 4G network, the peak download speed must be at least 100 Mb/s (megabit per second) for high mobility (like from moving vehicles) and 1 Gb/s (gigabit per second) for low mobility (standing still or walking). To give you an example how fast this is, the average speed of a broadband connection in the US is 3.9 Mb/s. This means that a 4G cell phone's internet connection is at least 25 times faster when that cell phone is being used in a car and 250 times faster when the phone isn't moving (more at Wikipedia).
Different mobile providers have different 4G networks. Each provider is rolling out 4G as fast as possible so that each can claim they have the fastest mobile data network.
Why is 4G? In this age of Internet video, music downloads, and networked gaming everyone wants a fast connection, even (especially?) for their phones.
How is 4G? By upgrading the hardware of cell towers, mobile providers can deliver a 4G network. In order to connect to these 4G networks, consumers must have a 4G phone (a phone with a 4G antenna).
When and where is 4G? Currently, major cities. As with everything, LA, DC, NY, SF, ATL, etc. will get the new tech first, and then it will slowly be rolled out to more rural areas. Check with your provider for specifics. By the end of 2011, most mobile providers will have some 4G in major cities. By 2013, it'll be everywhere but the boondocks.
However, technically, none of these companies have real 4G yet*. That's right, none. True 4G maxes out at a minimum of 1Gb/s (stationary) while Sprint's WiMAX has a current cap around 10Mb/s, Verizon's LTE is at 12Mb/s, and T-Mobile's HSPA+ is at a theoretical 21Mb/s. (Note: these are theoretical max speeds based on infrastructure; actual max speeds users are currently getting are much lower) AT&T has nothing yet, of course, but will get HSPA+ probably in 2011, and LTE soon thereafter. So the "4G" cell phone companies are selling you is actually 3G, (but is often called 3.5G).
There are differences. Eventually WiMAX and LTE will reach true 4G speeds as the technology is upgraded. HSPA+ will eventually reach multiple hundreds of Mb per second, but will never achieve true 4G speed, which is why AT&T is building an LTE network in addition to their mostly complete HSPA+ network.
Also important is that phones that have WiMAX or LTE antenna still be able to connect to those respective networks when each one is upgraded. But an HSPA+ phone can't connect to a LTE network. Because of this, it may be smart to get a 4G phone from Sprint or Verizon, since upcoming "4G" phones for AT&T won't ever be able to connect to AT&T's LTE network when that network is eventually built. And if T-Mobile ever gets a true 4G network, HSPA+ phones won't be able to connect to that either.
(Wikipedia pages: HSPA+, LTE, WiMAX)
*Update: This article was written a little late. On December 6, 2010, the ITU (the organization that defines "4G") officially reversed their position and said that Sprint, Verizon, and even T-Mobile's '"4G" networks actually are 4G. The reason: the term 4G, "while undefined, may also be applied to the forerunners of these technologies, LTE and WiMax, and to other evolved 3G technologies [like HSPA+] providing a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities[.]"
Is there heaven 4 a G?
ReplyDeleteCurrently, there is only heaven 3.5 a G.
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ReplyDelete