I got handed this question by a friend, and I was a bit stumped. I’m not a telecom watcher, but there is going to be a lot of 4G commercials coming out as the telecoms try to lure more customers to their data services. Just what is 4G, and 3G. The answer to that after the break.
The main issue I have is that things considered to be 3G do not have to meet a certain standard. So certain 3G networks were “faster” than others. With the 4G standard services must meet a certain standard.
The following list is some of the more customer noticeable featre that the 4G working group is trying to get everyone to conform to. I got this list from wikipedia, and edited it to make sense for non-technical users.
- Data rate of 100 Mbit/s while the client physically moves at high speeds relative to the station, and 1 Gbit/s while client and station are in relatively fixed positions
- A data rate of at least 100 Mbit/s between any two points in the world
- Smooth handoff across heterogeneous networks
- Seamless connectivity and global roaming across multiple networks
- High quality of service for next generation multimedia support (real time audio, high speed data, HDTV video content, mobile TV, etc)
- Interoperability with existing wireless standards
Essentially what this means is true mobile hi-speed internet. It also means that you might be able to cut the cord from your house totally. Pay one service to have the internet, and to any of the subscribed TV Channels or services like Hulu. You may even be able to use telephony services like voice over Internet protocol.
In San Antonio We are already seeing Clear trying to break into the internet market here with it’s 4G offerings. Right now it’s a little expensive, for the all you can eat pricing plans. I’m not going to be an early adopter on this service. For about a couple of years there will be plenty of wifi hotspots. About that time there will be a few more services, and more competition. Then I’ll pick a winner and jump on board.
So Basically 4G is a faster, and more impressive, wireless internet solution than 3G.
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