Before you agonize too much over whether you're going to buy a Samsung Galaxy S III, the iPhone 5, the HTC One X or any of the other new devices that sport 4G LTE connectivity, consider this: Will your network be able to handle all that phone?
The "4G" chant from the major carriers is loud and clear. We gotta have it. But a lot of us don't know what 4G is, except that it's faster than what most of us have right now. So, here's a boost to your education: what "4G" does for your phone and which carriers can deliver at top speed.
Here's a quick summary of the wireless technologies:
4G
Theoretically, any 4G device is one that pulls in wireless data faster than any 3G device. There are three major 4G standards: WiMAX, HSPA+ and LTE. In general, HSPA+ and WiMAX run at approximately the same speed - about 3X faster than 3G. LTE leads the race at 10X 3G speed.
To make things a little more confusing for us, the four major carriers all define "4G" in their own way. Sprint's step up from 3G is WiMAX, T-Mobile's is HSPA+, and AT&T uses HSPA+ and LTE. Verizon's 4G platform is LTE.
HSPA+
HSPA+, or "Evolved High-Speed Packet Access", is like a 3G network on too much caffeine. HSPA+ is about 3 times faster than 3G.
WiMAX
WiMAX, or "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access", is the least known 4G standard. It's used primarily by Sprint. Sprint claims its 4G speeds are up to 10 times faster than its 3G speeds. That might be an exaggeration, but WiMAX is noticeably faster than 3G.
4G LTE
4G LTE, or "Long Term Evolution", is the latest and speediest type of 4G network. Carriers claim it's about 10 times faster than 3G, and that's probably a low-end estimate. LTE is so fast that download speeds can rival cable or DSL. LTE isn't a guaranteed replacement for your wired internet connection, but it's very close. Because our smartphones are our Wifi access, our movie screens, our gaming systems and our video conferencing, we have no patience for delays.
Before you buy your next 4G-capable constant companion, make sure you've got a 4G network for it to run on in your home area. The four major U.S. carrier sites show coverage maps. Before you buy a phone expecting to be able to take advantage of the "fastest, most reliable 4G network", make sure you have more than poky old 3G in your area.
Here's a quick summary of the coverage the major carriers can deliver:
Verizon
Verizon covers the most communities with their 4G LTE service - approximately 370 cities and counting. But, as their coverage map shows, if you're in the middle of Oklahoma, you'll just have to be happy for New York City.
The big downside with Verizon's service is its only alternative to 4G LTE. If you're not in a 4G LTE coverage area, your service falls back to 3G speeds.
AT&T
AT&T makes a big boast about their 4G coverage (275 million customers or so), but there's a fundamental problem with that claim. What AT&T describes as 4G is technically an HSPA+ network, or a turbo charged 3G (about 3X as fast as 3G). Their 4G LTE network is limited to approximately 50 major metropolitan areas, but they plan to double that number by year-end.
AT&T does have a better fallback plan for areas not covered by their 4G LTE service. AT&T customers without 4G LTE coverage or a 4G-capable device connect to AT&T's HSPA+ network. AT&T also boasts a ton of smartphone accessories for their devices but none will help you achieve that 4G status if you're out of coverage.
Sprint
Sprint's HSPA+ service is pretty much their top of the line. Recently Sprint starting rolling out 4G service in a few (6) areas. Be prepared for the same confusion AT&T has caused with its "4G" network claim. Don't be surprised if Sprint calls both its WiMAX and LTE "4G."
T Mobile
T Mobile is the laggard of the pack with no 4G service, but their entire network is HSPA+. When they'll begin to upgrade is unknown right now.
Remember, if you buy a 4G device and your carrier only provides 3G in your area, you just bought yourself 3G service (at least until the network technology comes to you). Just because the box says it's a 4G LTE phone, doesn't mean it can act like one.
