What Is a 4G Wireless Network for Cell Phones? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > Android 152 152 people found this article helpful

What Is 4G Wireless?

This cellular service is 10 times faster than the old 3G service

By Liane Cassavoy Liane Cassavoy Writer Boston University's College of Communications Liane Cassavoy is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who has been reviewing and writing articles about smartphones since 1999. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 18, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Android Switching from iOS 4G wireless is the fourth generation of cellular service. 4G is a big step up from 3G and is up to 10 times faster than 3G service. Sprint was the first carrier to offer 4G speeds in the United States, beginning in 2009. Now all the carriers offer it in most areas of the country, although some rural areas still have only the slower 3G coverage. John Lund/Getty Images

Why 4G Speed Matters

As smartphones and tablets developed the capability to stream video and music, the need for consistent and sustained data bandwidth grew in tandem. Previously, cellular speeds were much slower than the high-speed broadband connections to computers. Given that most cellular data focused on mobile-optimized browsers and very simple apps, they didn't need large data pipes. 4G speed compares favorably with some broadband options and is particularly useful in areas without broadband connections.

4G Technology

While all 4G service is called 4G or 4G LTE, the underlying technology is not the same with every carrier. Some use WiMax technology for their 4G network, while Verizon Wireless uses a technology called Long Term Evolution, or LTE. Sprint says its 4G WiMax network offers download speeds that are ten times faster than a 3G connection, with speeds that top out at 10 megabits per second. Verizon's LTE network delivers download speeds between 5 Mbps and 12 Mbps. T-Mobile's varies between 7 Mbps and 40 Mbps. Don't let speed thresholds fool you. The download speed is a function of the device's hardware capability, the congestion of the nearest tower, the nature of the data, and the location of the tower relative to the device. Very few people consistently receive top-end performance.

What Comes Next

Soon, the companies touting WiMax and LTE networks will be talking about IMT-Advanced technology, which will deliver 5G speeds. The technology is expected to be faster, have fewer dead zones, and end data caps on cellular contracts. The rollout will probably begin in large urban areas. FAQ What is a 4G mobile hotspot? A mobile hotspot is a portable device that connects to the internet and acts as a wireless router. A 4G hotspot provides a connection over 4G LTE wireless technology. What is a 4G router? Unlike an internet router that connects to a modem, a 4G router wirelessly receives signals from a mobile service. The 4G router then provides internet to devices on the network via Wi-Fi hotspot or Ethernet connection. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 3G vs. 4G Technology Are the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S 4G Phones? How Are 4G and 5G Different? How Fast Is 4G LTE Wireless Service? 5G Speed: How to Understand the Numbers The 7 Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022 5G Internet: The High-Speed Replacement for Cable? 5GE vs. LTE: What's the Difference? The 7 Best Senior Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 7 Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 7 Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2022 Where Is 5G Available in the US? (Updated for 2022) 6G: What It Is & When to Expect It 5G: Here's Everything That's Changing The 8 Best Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 9 Best Internet Service Providers of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies