Have you ever wondered what is 4G network everyone keeps talking is all about? To start out, it is the next successor to the 3G network. It is supposed to be a big step up in speed for cellular and regular internet data. The speeds could be up to 4-10 times faster on both the download and upload side. Those are the basic featured of 4G, but let’s explore it in more depth.
The 4G network was developed to create a more secure and faster than any other generation out there. In the 4G network, there are supposedly less dropped calls, better connection, and data (internet usage on a smartphone or on a computer) is priority number one. If used on a computer, video, and downloads are typically much faster than a broadband connection. There are many different types of 4G networks available. Verizon, ATT, and Sprint all utilize different forms of this new network.
Verizon uses the LTE network. The LTE network is the fastest network available to customers today. The peak download speed is around 1Gbit per second and the max upload speed is around 500 Mbits per second.
The Sprint network uses the WiMax network. This network is loosely labeled as 4G because the speeds are nowhere near the speeds of the LTE network. The peak download speed is 128Mbit per second and the peak upload speed is around 56Mbit per second.
The ATT network uses the HSPA+ network. The peak download speeds are around 88Mbit per second and the max upload speed is around 22Mbit per second. This is considered the 3.5G network because the speed is right in between the average 3G and the average 4G speeds. To be considered 4G, this network boosted their speeds a bit higher to what they are listed above. Note that in the very near future, ATT will be utilizing the LTE network and not the HSPA+ network any longer.
Before you want to sign up for this new 4G network, you will need to know a few things. The 4G network is not available to many locations yet. Only specific areas have full access to this technology. Since only a small area benefits from this network, the speeds are very fast. When it gets rolled out to more people and more locations, the speeds will likely to slow down due to traffic. If you are ready to try it out and live in an area that supports a 4G network, give it a go and relish the fast speeds that you may not have using your regular broadband internet connection. Hope this post helps you understand what is 4G network!
Since the last time we updated this page the whole revolution of 4G happened and there is huge network coverage expansion all across the United States and I just had to pull them all together in one place for your convenient comparison.
Here are 4G network coverage maps for the biggest cell phone providers:
Sprint 4G network map, click to view full size:
Image is courtesy of Sprint’s website. Please note that 4G networks are available only in the cities (as far as I can read the map). But Sprint/Nextel have huge expansion plans so it is possible that in the nearest future 4G network coverage will be available in your city!
Verizon Wireless 4G Network map, click to view full size:
Image is courtesy of Verizon Wireless website. Also note the lovely marketing trick – the whole map is read yet, read the fine print – its 3G coverage and only those yellow/green spots are 4G enabled networks!
T-Mobile 4G Network coverage map, click to view full size:
Image is courtesy of T-Mobile website.
AT&T 4G Network coverage map, click to view full size:
Image is courtesy of AT&T website. I would like to comment on this a little bit. At the moment AT&T uses HSPA+ network which, while is faster than 3G, comes nowhere near the real 4G standards or even LTE speeds that other major providers are using at the moment. So, while AT&T’s 4G network coverage may seem like biggest one, you wont be getting same speeds as with LTE networks. The only spots where you will be able to enjoy real 4G speeds are the cities marked with orange dots. AT&T have made several announcements to switch over to LTE network, but, of course, it takes time!
Another useful piece of information about 4G networks and plans – do not fall into “its unlimited plan” loop – every provider throttles down your 4G data transfer after you reach certain threshold – downloaded couple Gigabytes of data. In some cases it is even less than a one gig. My advice – ask what’s the speed throttle limit before you sign up for “unlimited data” plans – then at least you can plan your downloads.
Best of luck!
Steve