When using data on your smartphone or tablet device you are likely to have heard of 3G, 4G and LTE. In basic terms, this describes how fast the internet will run over a wireless data connection.
3G stands for “Third Generation” and originally enabled wireless devices to operate at speeds which made web browsing a more enjoyable experience. Whilst this gave users the ability to regularly use the internet when ‘on the go’, there were still issues regarding the time that it took to open certain web pages as well as struggling to meet the increased demand for wireless mobile internet.
4G or “Fourth Generation” technology has become increasingly popular all across the globe due to the fast data speeds available. This allows users to do far more than check emails and basic web browsing; 4G allows for music streaming, fast and reliable web browsing and the ability to use a device as a portable entertainment centre. Many new devices have the ability to operate on the 4G network and this number is set to continue rising due to the benefits of the 4G technology.
LTE stands for “Long Term Evolution” and is a popular term used in North America to describe the journey of acquiring fast mobile data connections. Currently both 4G and LTE mobile technologies have similar connection speeds and both are substantially more advanced than devices that still operate on 3G.
SO WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE?
It is likely that in forthcoming years we will see a widespread increase in 4G/LTE network coverage due to the increased demand for faster mobile data connection speeds. Consumer habits have led to 3G technology rapidly becoming outdated, which is why more and more consumers feel the need to invest in 4G/LTE compatible devices.
As the need for data roaming increases, fast data bundles for worldwide and European data roaming are becoming more popular and dramatically reduce the cost of using internet abroad.
Following the rapidly advancing technological age that we live in, it would be wise to expect the development and introduction of 5G networks in the near future. This would be expected to transfer data at electrifying speeds and would offer large scale benefits to both consumers and society as a whole.
