Loading...We know that it is faster than 3G and that it works better. But what exactly is 4G or what does LTE stand for stumps most people. To the uninitiated, 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a GSM EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) based standard for mobile phones. It has been around since 2009 when TeliaSonera launched the first public LTC service in Sweden. The network standard has since then been adopted widely.
Operators all over North America and Europe and in large parts of South America and Asia provide LTE Mobile Services. The goal of LTE is to let GSM telephony evolve into higher capacity and speed wireless networks. The following are facts and features about LTE that might prove useful to the common consumer.
4G LTE offers 300Mbps and 75Mbps as upload and download rates respectively which are nearly ten times the speed of existing 3G networks. Thus sharing photos, multimedia files and large folders is much easier when compared to existing 2G, 3G and CDMA (Code division multiple access) services.
LTE provides for inter-operation with existing mobile standards. Thus if a call is made through an LTE provider and if coverage is unavailable then a GSM or CDMA network can continue the call. Fast moving mobile phones can stay connected to the network. So even if one is hurtling through at 300 miles/hour in a train, making a call will be completely hassle-free.
Cell phones based on this technology have demonstrated capabilities for Full HD voice transmission. Full HD implies that sounds in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz can be sent over the network, basically allowing the user to hear everything the human ear is capable of hearing. Since many frequency bands can be used by LTE Networks, phones from one zone might not work in another zone. Users who plan to avail of international roaming have to use phones which are compatible with multiple bands.
Notable networks that offer 4G LTE services are AT&T, Verizon, MetroPCS and Sprint. Nearly all new Android devices are compatible with 4G LTE technology. Popular names to be looked at are HTC Thunderbolt, Samsung Galaxy and iPad 3.
4G LTE is a standard which is faster, better and has a prominent presence the world over. It unlocks the true potential of a smartphone and provides for data transfer at an unprecedented quality and paves the way for something more advanced.