(4th Generation) The latest wireless wide area network (WWAN) technology. Designed to increase data transfer speeds for Web surfing and video, the ITU has designated LTE, LTE-Advanced, WiMAX 2 and HSPA+ as 4G technologies. For example, as of 2011, Verizon uses LTE; Sprint uses WiMAX; T-Mobile uses HSPA+, and AT&T uses LTE and HSPA+.

4G Speeds

In 2011, various tests of all carriers in the U.S. touting 4G capabilities reported a wide range of results, with download speeds from 1.5 to 19 Mbps and upload speeds from .8 to 13 Mbps. Because the number of users in a cell is constantly changing, a uniform speed rating cannot be determined even from the same carrier. As more users sign on to high-speed service, the average speed will decline until the carrier enhances its coverage in the cell. See LTE, WiMAX, cellular generations and 3G.

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