We know 3G, but what’s 4G?

May 21st, 2008

Most of us have heard of 3G by now, or even have a phone that’s 3G. But what’s 4G? I barely even heard of 4G!  Given that the iPhone isn’t even 3G yet, 4G sounds like it’s far away.

Wikipedia puts it this way:

4G (also known as Beyond 3G), an abbreviation for Fourth-Generation Communications System, is a term used to describe the next step in wireless communications. A 4G system will be able to provide a comprehensive IP solution where voice, data and streamed multimedia can be given to users on an “Anytime, Anywhere” basis, and at higher data rates than previous generations. There is no formal definition for what 4G is; however, there are certain objectives that are projected for 4G.

These objectives include: that 4G will be a fully IP-based integrated system. This will be achieved after wired and wireless technologies converge and will be capable of providing between 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s speeds both indoors and outdoors, with premium quality and high security. 4G will offer all types of services at an affordable cost.

I think this is what WiMax is supposed to be.  Talking about way into the future…

Technorati Tags: phone, cell phone, mobile phone, 3g, 4g, wimax, wiki, wikipedia