E vs. 4G

[K2CLH]

I recently signed up for a TMobile plan that included data. I will be going through an area and it will say 4/4 bars of service but instead of 4G it will just say E. What is this?

Thanks!

 

[Rukbat]

Probably out in the boonies where there's no 4G (or even 3G) service yet. They don't upgrade areas where no one human lives (chipmunks don't pay their bills), and very few people pass through. Remember, there are still some areas of the country in which there's no service at all - not even voice - so having even minimal data isn't the worst that can happen. (And if I read your name correctly, "no service at all" really means no service on only one of your communications devices, as far as you're concerned, right?)

 

[Rxpert83]

Depending on who you ask, e (i assume edge) is is either a 3g or pre-3g technology.

 

[K2CLH]

Thanks for the replies guys! Yes, phone is only one of my communication methods. I have not ever seen 3G. Either 4G or this E thing. It is slower for sure so I guess it doesn't matter what it stands for it just matters how fast it is. It was so slow that when I ran a speed test the speed tester said network communication error. It took 30+ seconds to load Google and Google works hard to have a very quick homepage.