4G explained

 
22 February 2013

Those with a keen eye on the world of technology can’t fail to have noticed the term “4G” bandied around with increasing frequency. Many will know that the jargon refers to mobile phones, but the intricacies of the technology are more than likely lost on the majority.

So, if you’re stumped by 4G and want to know exactly what it means and, more importantly, how it will impact on your digital lives, read on…

What is 4G?

In simple terms, 4G is an evolution of the myriad of technologies that make up the mobile network infrastructure and allow mobile phones to connect, use data services, and all of the other functions they are capable of across the airwaves.

This collective group of technologies, wireless standards and hardware was grouped together under the banner of 3G (and still is), but mobile networks are looking to develop this further, launching services offering extended connectivity, greater coverage and vastly increased data transfer speeds.

Whilst all the big players are involved – Vodafone, Three, O2 – it has been UK service provider EE that has beaten everyone to the punch, rolling out its 4GEE service to 12 cities, soon to be joined by a further 17.

What it means to mobile users

In short, 4G means a marked increase in data transfer speeds. Everyday mobile tasks such as downloading movies, games and music, and streaming video will be much, much swifter with EE promising download speeds up to five times faster than those offered by 3G.

Alongside this quickening of the data transfer pace also comes a more consistent web browsing experience – the greater bandwidth of 4G means more data can pass through the network infrastructure unhindered, resulting in web browsing on a par with that offered by a home Wi-Fi connection. With 4G, no longer will you have to wait for on page images to render, and uploading content of your own will be much faster too.

Those that live in remote areas will also benefit from the new 4G network too. How so? Well, as the new network requires much less power and amplification equipment to effectively transmit signals, mobile operators needn’t install expensive cell towers and masts in far-flung locations in order to maintain consistent signal. In theory, networks will be able to offer better service using existing equipment with only slight modification.

How to get on the 4G bandwagon

Whilst the benefits of 4G are undoubtedly apparent, making the jump from 3G isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope. At present, only EE have a 4G service up and running in the UK, so unless you become a subscriber of theirs, you’ll not be able to access the super-fast network. This is set to change in the near future as Ofcom auctions off parts of the 4G spectrum to other mobile operators, but early adopters have no choice but to sign up to EE, for now at least.

Also, your current handset will not be able to connect to 4G networks and a 4G-compatible device must be purchased. This could prove costly as the only devices currently available are ‘flagship’ handsets including the Samsung Galaxy S III LTE, Nokia Lumia 920 and Apple iPhone 5, all of which come with a hefty price tag. Add to this the more expensive tariffs and the financial barriers associated with moving over to 4G could be too restrictive for some, especially those with a substantial period left on their existing contracts.

Finally, getting on the 4G bandwagon will ultimately depend on geography. EE’s 4G service is promised to be fully operational in 29 towns and cities by March 2013, with the list growing all the time. However, if you don’t live in one of these areas, the only option is to wait until coverage comes your way. With not long to wait until the likes of Vodafone and O2 launch their own 4G services though, consumer choice will widen soon enough.

Despite these drawbacks 4G will revolutionise mobile communications in this country, much in the same way as the advent of 3G did nearly a decade ago. The extent to which we rely on our smartphones looks only set to increase further and the proliferation of advanced digital services can only help as our business and personal lives become more dependent on connectivity.

By Dean Quinn, technology writer at Phones 4u – the home of Christmas gifts 4u and u and u

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