4GFaster Than 3G Fast4G is the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. We've grown from analog (1G) to digital (2G) to a faster 2Mbps (3G) and now/soon up to 100Mbps, mobile ultra-broadband (gigabit speed) access and multi-carrier transmission. By comparison, broadband offers speeds of up to 5Mbps in the average US household. If you want the technical explanation of what all that means try this article which covers the topic in detail.  The non-technical explanation is that we should eventually expect speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G while mobile. Current speeds are more in the 3 times faster range, up to 6Mbps, but this should improve over time.According to Sprint, the additional speed would be like "swapping out DSL for a high-speed cable modem." While most of us are still just climbing aboard the 3G train the fourth generation of fast is already rolling out in some areas. Here's a look at Sprint's speed comparison. To help bridge the gap between 3 and 4 you can now purchase dual-mode devices that will work on whichever (the fastest) network is available. If you are one of the lucky one's in or traveling to an area where it is offered, you can get a 4G-only device and enjoy the faster technology. What can you do with 4G? Look for broadband data speeds to notebooks, Internet tablets, and eventually smart phones:
Fast internet access Video chat without the lag Download larger files Sprint Sprint currently covers about 11 States with new areas being added to the network as quickly as possible. You can sign up here to be notified when it hits your area. Sprint has a 24 hour Day Pass you can purchase if you are in or travel to an area where the faster network is available. It is currently offered at $9.99 without a contract. To get started you'll need a device (single mode or dual-mode 3G/4G) and an existing Mobile Broadband Connection plan. More on the way?! According to CNNMoney.com the two largest U.S. carriers, Verizon Wireless and AT&T, have both announced plans to unveil their networks in the next two years based on a new technology called Long Term Evolution (LTE). Verizon said it would launch its network in 25 to 30 markets this year, reaching 100 million people. AT&T plans on deploying its network in 2011. Read about it here. As promising as more speed is we are still many years and millions of dollars invested in equipment away from transitioning from the current 2G and 3G networks. Related Articles: 3G How fast is fast and what that means to you. 3G explained Mobile Apps Applications, games, and lots of app store freebies USB Modems How to plug into fast wireless internet Did you find this information useful? Contact me with your questions, comments, and suggestions! Home < Mobile Wireless Internet < 4G < You Are Here New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read!Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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