4G is a fourth generation mobile broadband standard that delivers exceptionally fast data transfer speed and sound quality for mobile phones and devices. The goal for 4G is to reach speeds of 100 Mbps while the user is mobile and 1 Gbps while the user is stationary. The major 4G service providers include AT&T Wireless, Sprint and Verizon Wireless.
AT&T Wireless
AT&T Wireless is set to deploy its 4G wireless network by the middle of 2011. This network will cover approximately 70 to 75 million people by the end of 2011. AT&T has also indicated that it will improve its current 3G network to bridge the gap between users that will not be covered by 4G until the end of 2011. AT&T plans to utilize the LTE, or Long Term Evolution, network for 4G. As the 4G network has yet to launch on AT&T Wireless, pricing and terms are not yet available for 4G data plans. On October 6, 2010, AT&T announced its first 4G-capable device, the "USBConnect Adrenaline," a broadband modem that is capable of connecting to your computer via a USB port that allows roaming Internet wherever there is a 3G or 4G AT&T signal.
Sprint
The Sprint 4G network is currently deployed and operating in select cities in the United States. Spring 4G maintains average download speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps, with peak speeds of more than 10 Mbps. Unlike the Sprint 3G network, the 4G network offers the excellent advantage of unlimited downloads, browsing and other data usage. You can access the Sprint 4G network with the Samsung Epic 4G Galaxy S and the HTC EVO 4G cell phones. It is also possible to access 4G with Sprint's USB wireless broadband receivers, for use with laptops on the go.The Sprint 4G network currently covers 40 million people and is expanding. Visit the Sprint 4G website to see if the 4G network is available in your area. (See Resources.)
Verizon Wireless
Similar to AT&T, Verizon Wireless has not yet activated its 4G network. When 4G is launched by the end of 2010, it will be available in 38 major metropolitan areas, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Miami, Boston, Chicago and Las Vegas. Verizon 4G will also be available in major airports across the United States. Verizon plans to expand its 4G coverage in 2011 and to cover all of its current 3G areas with 4G service by the end of 2013. Verizon 4G will feature data speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps. Verizon has not yet published its pricing schedule or any data limitations.
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