all things design
March 22, 2011
Is 4G Ready for Prime Time?
All the major wireless carriers are pushing 4G hard this year, but, is the technology ready for prime time? The short answer is yes and no.
The term 4G originally referred to the new fourth generation of networks designed to deliver fast wireless broadband service to mobile devices. Previous 2G and 3G generation networks relied on older circuit-switched technology, however, the new networks are simpler and operate using IP (Internet Protocol) only. 4G networks also use a new encoding method allowing for increased data into less wireless spectrum. Some carriers, such as AT&T and T-Mobile, are upgrading their 3G networks using advanced encodings to get “4G-like speeds”, giving their marketing departments license to call them 4G. Verizon and Sprint are choosing to build their new 4G networks from the ground up.
Right now the upgraded 3G networks are achieving speeds comparable to the early-stage 4G networks, however, none have come close to being fast enough to satisfy the definition of true 4G. It will take further upgrades to the new 4G networks before advanced speeds will be available.
If one pushed the question of speed, which in reality is what this is all about, Verizon’s new LTE 4G network seems to be leading the race. Verizon 4G-modem users are reporting download speeds of up to 14 megabits per second, which is faster than many premium home broadband connections. Verizon does not offer a 4G smartphone yet and it will be interesting to see if these speeds can continue as more smart devices get hooked into the network. AT&T and T-Mobile both plan on building 4G LTE networks, recognizing that their current technology lacks the network capacity to satisfy skyrocketing future mobile bandwidth demand.
So is 4G technology ready for prime time? Not yet, but almost, and before we realize it, the new networks will be in place pushing our 4G devices to increased speeds and advanced reliability.
‘til next time, take care.
Bob