Current WiMAX and LTE are not 4G

[zerocool84]

ITU lays down law: WiMAX 2, LTE-Advanced are 4G, everyone else is a buster

Fleshing out what constitutes a 3G versus a 4G wireless technology is like trying to objectively quantify whether Coke or Pepsi is the superior beverage -- but for what it's worth, the UN's ITU is widely recognized as the closest thing we have to a final word (on the Gs, that is, not the colas). They've just issued a press release stating that of six technologies nominated for IMT-Advanced (the formal name for 4G) certification, just two have emerged victorious: 802.16m WiMAX 2 -- also known as WirelessMAN-Advanced -- and LTE-Advanced. That would leave Sprint, Verizon, and everyone else currently deploying WiMAX and LTE technically false in advertising their latest-generation services as "4G," though with so many technologies crowding the 3G space, we can't necessarily blame them; heck, even EDGE and CDMA2000 without EV-DO technically qualify as 3G in the eyes of the ITU, so yeah, the situation is really just as muddled as ever. For what it's worth, neither 802.16m nor LTE-Advanced are live anywhere in the world -- and they aren't expected to be for some time -- so whether you like it or not, the UN says you're still living a 3G existence no matter where you're located. So close! Follow the break for the ITU's release.

Well I guess we're stuck in 3G for a while longer folks.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/21/itu-lays-down-law-wimax-2-lte-advanced-are-4g-everyone-else-i/

 

[Bateluer]

You think that's going to stop the marketing machines? Lolz.

 

[zerocool84]

You think that's going to stop the marketing machines? Lolz.

Hell when T-Mobile says they are 4G as well, it doesn't matter any more.

 

[Cuda1447]

Hell when T-Mobile says they are 4G as well, it doesn't matter any more.

4G speeds, not 4G. They are just combating the marketing of Sprint.

 

[zerocool84]

4G speeds, not 4G. They are just combating the marketing of Sprint.

But technically neither are 4G speeds any more and HSPA+ is theoretically a lot slower than WiMAX

 

[gsaldivar]

Seriously, who cares what they call it. All I care about is the performance and price - not some stupid logo and trademark, and certainly not the brand name...

 

[Cuda1447]

But technically neither are 4G speeds any more and HSPA+ is theoretically a lot slower than WiMAX

HSPA+ has max output of... what 28.8mbps?


Really, the data cap on these networks isn't going to be the problem. The problem lies with how many people they can serve these types of speeds too. I don't care if I have 10 MBPS or 25. But if I can get it consistently and unlimited, that'll make a huge difference.

 

[akugami]

Seriously, who cares what they call it. All I care about is the performance and price - not some stupid logo and trademark, and certainly not the brand name...

:thumbsup:

 

[s44]

Any body that claims EDGE is really 3g is utterly unhelpful to the consumer.