What is 4G Technology?
In the UK mobile network providers currently have 3G, or Third Generation, networks in place to allow consumers to access the internet using a range of devices such as broadband dongles with laptops or smart phones. However, as with any other form of technology these networks have become outdated and can no longer keep up with demand, which is why the technology needs to be moved forward and 4G technology needs to be brought in.
4G technology, or Fourth Generation technology, is the next step forward for mobile internet providers, and 4G technology is what will enable these providers to offer an improved service so that they can retain their existing customers and attract new ones. At present 4G is still being trialled in the UK, but consumers and providers are keen for 4G technology to be deployed as quickly as possible, because the current 3G technology that is in use will soon start to struggle to cope because of the strain that is being put on it.
The different types of 4G technology
There are two main types of 4G technology that are being considered by mobile network providers at present, and these are LTE 4G technology and WiMAX 4G technology. These two types of 4G technology offer similar features and benefits although the technology itself is very different. At present providers have not decided which of these two types of 4G technology they will be deploying, but they are currently conducting trials of both. At present the favoured type of 4G technology appears to be LTE, although a range of factors will have to be considered before providers make any definitive decision with regards to which of the two types of 4G technology they finally select.
Why we need it
There are many reasons why 4G technology needs to be deployed in the UK as quickly as possible, and both providers and consumers have their own reasons for wanting 4G to be rolled out sooner rather than later. For providers the rollout of 4G will mean that they can offer consumers an improved services, which means that they can hang on to their customers, attract new customers, and boost profits. Consumers want 4G technology deployed because they want to see improvements to the service that they are receiving, and there are many improvements that 4G will be able to offer.
With 4G technology the network capacity is greatly improved compared to 3G technology, and this means that the networks will be able to easily cope with the rising demand for mobile internet services, whereas the current 3G networks are under increasing strain. This will mean that with 4G both casual and business users that want to get online whilst out and about will be able to enjoy faster speeds, better coverage, greater reliability, and a more efficient and effective service despite the increase in the number of people using the technology.
