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What is "4G"?

What is "4G" to you?

  • ITU spec of at least 100mbps

    Votes: 5 15.2%

  • 4th generation technology, such as WiMax and/or LTE

    Votes: 21 63.6%

  • Whatever the carriers say it is, to include speed boosted 3G technology like HSPA+

    Votes: 7 21.2%

  • I have no earthly idea

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    33
  • Poll closed .
Medion

Medion

Android Expert
I'm just curious what everyone's thoughts on this subject are. We've seen the ITU initially say "no one is 4G" due to their specification for 4G being 100mbps. We've seen Sprint and Verizon claim that their respective WiMax and LTE is 4th generation technology. Also, we've seen T-Mobile and now AT&T say that their HSPA+ networks are 4G due to offering speeds comparable to that of current WiMax and LTE networks. So, what's your take?
 
The ITU made the 4G standard a moving target for a while, and where it ended was not where it started. Following their spec, they capitulated that IMT-Advanced, known as 4G was an undefined term (while our heads spin and counter-rotate at that remark) and that it rightfully included LTE and WiMAX.

So, I have to check all of the first three - and when the ITU changes its mind again, scratch those, and put me down for number 4.

ITU Newsroom - 4G Press Release

ITU Redefines 4G. Again. | News & Opinion | PCMag.com
 
I wish I could say that it is the first one (like it SHOULD be) but at this point in time that's just not the case. At this point, I'd just say it's the 4th gen technology. That's as close as we're going to get to the real meaning of 4G for a looong time. I found a really good article on the subject somewhere... lemme see if I can find it again and post it. It really clears up what everything means for those who are confused.

**EDIT**

Has '4G' lost its meaning? - CNET.com
 
it's simply whatever the carrier says. they can say they are 8g if they want.

"4g" has simply come to mean "we made an improvement to our network"



It all comes down to performance. It appears that Verizon has truly overhauled their data network and it's a completely new system, while the others have just made some enhancements.

But we'll see. The proof is in the data speed and how often you can get those speeds. The networks of tomorrow will need to be able to easily transfer streaming video as users will do more and more video chatting.

Don't pick a network because they say "4g". Pick a network because it gives you the best performance
 
Just something to sell phones. Honestly, before I buy a 4G phone how about I get 3G in my area. Don't get ahead of yourselves, carriers. Improve your 3G coverage before moving on to giving 4G to state capitals only.
 
I just see 4G as 4th generation... so the next major step up in a network and the standard to come for years, so LTE would be considered as 4G to me. If people don't consider any of the networks to have 4G until it has 100Mbps... then all networks will stay 3G for a VERY LONG time.
 
Vihzel said:
I just see 4G as 4th generation... so the next major step up in a network and the standard to come for years, so LTE would be considered as 4G to me. If people don't consider any of the networks to have 4G until it has 100Mbps... then all networks will stay 3G for a VERY LONG time.
Click to expand...

the funny thing is the G in 4G actually stands for generation. so, in all actuallity it has NOTHING to do with speed, yet people are swallowing it like nicholas cage with alchohol in vegas. it's a MARKETING term, just like PCS.

it amazes me how so many people who can be normally rational people hear 4G and are all of a sudden. "not enuf Gees i need more Gees to make it go faster. "
 
I just see is as another reason to charge you more money.

Me personally I am happy with 3G speeds.
 
So far, only sprint charges more for "4g", till they decided to charge everyone more. Hopefully, the fact that Verizons usb modem data prices didn't change is an indicator for their lte phones data pricing.
 
HI EVERYBODY
cnsidering that there are companies that offer a 4G Network that is not even 1mbps faster than some competitors 3G Network, i really think that 4G stands for what ever they want it to be.

Not too long ago i found an article online with the Speeds and related coverage maps of all 3G and 4G networks ...i copied it here:

" http://androidforums.com/lounge/259759-network-comparison-truth-about-3g-4g-networks-who-faster-who-slower.html "

Really, they should find a more tight way of defining 3G and 4G... it sounds pretty crazy that there are 4G that run over twice as faster than others 4G... they should better off go ahead and call it 5G
REGARDS
 
Silly question, it depends on who is saying it and in what context.

When talking about published 4g standards, its the ITU standards.

When talking about new technology and marketing, its just "4th generation technology." or what ever the carrier says it is.

4g is all these things.
 
ionekoa said:
the funny thing is the G in 4G actually stands for generation. so, in all actuallity it has NOTHING to do with speed, yet people are swallowing it like nicholas cage with alchohol in vegas. it's a MARKETING term, just like PCS.

it amazes me how so many people who can be normally rational people hear 4G and are all of a sudden. "not enuf Gees i need more Gees to make it go faster. "
Click to expand...

The reason people say that is because the ITU is who determines the definition of 4G. So really, NONE of the companies that are stating they have 4G service really do. None of them are anywhere near the defined requirements to be considered 4G service. People aren't saying "it's not fast enough" because they just don't think it's fast enough, they're saying that because as per the definition of 4G, they are NOT fast enough.
 
Sweet Chaos said:
The reason people say that is because the ITU is who determines the definition of 4G. So really, NONE of the companies that are stating they have 4G service really do. None of them are anywhere near the defined requirements to be considered 4G service. People aren't saying "it's not fast enough" because they just don't think it's fast enough, they're saying that because as per the definition of 4G, they are NOT fast enough.
Click to expand...
But the uti has changed its definition of 4g, and all 4 carriers 4g networks now qualify under uti's new definition.
 
^Links for that in my post above.

And also in Sweet Chaos' CNET link - SC - I am getting confuze-ed by your statement...

clobber's link is also helpful - but - I question a few of their sub-digit numbers, not the authors integrity, but the facts as presented. (I think some things were cleared up and the sub-digit stuff belongs in the boneyard, srsly.)
 
scotthanna said:
...
"4g" has simply come to mean "we made an improvement to our network"

...
Click to expand...

This is how I look at it. I don't care if my provider gives me faster data speeds by using WiMax, LTE, HSPA+, or by sacrificing a chicken and smearing it's entrails on their cell towers. If my chicken-entrail enabled network gives me 15 Mbps download speeds, I really don't care if your 7 Mbps download speeds are delivered via quantum entanglement transceivers powered by cold fusion.
 
So if a phone is labeled at a "4G phone" does that always mean its LTE capable? Is LTE part of 4G? Is 4G and LTE two separate things?

I HAVE NO IDEA!!
 
there are currently 3 types of .... "4G": Wimax, LTE, HSPA+

they are different... do not mix.. requires different hardware in each phone to access each type.



frankly... if we can get a solid 5Mb speed as a min.... it would be done.
why in the world would any cell phone need to meet ITU's 100MB speeds???

what could it mean??? or give me? move all data and apps to an online platform so that the phone is nothing but a terminal??
 
dan330 said:
there are currently 3 types of .... "4G": Wimax, LTE, HSPA+

they are different... do not mix.. requires different hardware in each phone to access each type.



frankly... if we can get a solid 5Mb speed as a min.... it would be done.
why in the world would any cell phone need to meet ITU's 100MB speeds???

what could it mean??? or give me? move all data and apps to an online platform so that the phone is nothing but a terminal??
Click to expand...

one advantage to the speeds would be streaming video/audio at great bit-rates. :)
 
5mb per sec.... what better format needs 100mb per sec?

what would blueray require.. if to stream it? not 100mb
on a less than 10" screen... would it matter? your eyes would see difference??
 
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