Let’s start by taking a look at the
technologies in the marketplace that
float under the moniker “4G.”
HSPA+:
HSPA+ stands for “Evolved High-Speed Packet Access.” Unlike LTE and WiMAX, HSPA+ is a CDMA technology; it is the final evolution of 3G networks. Also unlike LTE and WiMAX, HSPA+ can natively communicate with legacy 3G networks. In many ways, HSPA+ is a stop-gap “4G” solution, because it requires less capital outlay than LTE and can immediately deliver much faster speeds to mobile users than 3G. It also means that current 3G devices can benefit from the faster HSPA+ network, a key difference that can’t be understated.
In the U.S., both T-Mobile (who advertises as “America’s Largest 4G Network”), and AT&T (who claims “America’s Fastest Mobile Broadband Network”) rely on HSPA+ technology, with T-Mobile routinely rating higher among consumers.
HSPA+ speeds top out at about 21Mbps theoretically, and in the real-world hover between 8Mbs and 12Mbps. A real-world 8-12Mbps on HSPA+ networks represents a huge increase, enough for marketers to deem it fourth-generation. Adding fuel to their messaging, many users on HSPA+ networks get faster speeds than users on LTE and WiMAX networks. In fact, a recent multi-location test by Phonescoop.com revealed that T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network, on average, was faster than Sprint’s WiMAX network.
LTE:
The “3GPP Long Term Evolution” (LTE) standard was originally proposed by NTT DoCoMo in 2004 and represents a true departure from 3G technology. LTE is pre- if you will; the first step in a path to true 4G. The next step forward in LTE, LTE-Advanced, will meet the ITU speed definition.