The 3G 4G Difference

The 3G 4G Difference

Nothing has done more to influence our day to day lives than the introduction of the cell phone. Since its introduction on the 1G system in 1982 cell phone usage has grown by leaps and bounds with the latest statistics (June 2010) putting the number of wireless subscribers at just under 300 million folks. This is no small accomplishment since the US population is currently (July 2009) pegged at something just shy of 308 million souls.

So just what is all this talk about 2G, 3G, 4G wireless systems, what is the 3G 4G difference and how does it affect you? First let’s take a brief look at the history of cell systems to see where we came from and then where we a heading.

1. 1G Technology – This was the first generation of cell technology and if you are over 40 years old you probably remember it. It was big, it was bulky and it couldn’t even spell digital. This technology was the mainstay in the United States until the mid-1990s.
2. 2G Digital Technology – This is where the switch to the digital transmission system we all know started and the thing that has made the whole cell phone revolution possible. With a digital system in place the era of small phones took off and brought an end to the large so called brick phones.
3. 3G Hi Speed Technologies – The first 3G network in the US was created by Monet Mobile Networks. Don’t remember them? Not surprising since the company folded up in short order and is now nothing more than an answer in some geek inspired trivia game. The second 3G network provider is a little more familiar, which is Verizon and in October of 2003 introduced their 3G system in the US. 3G tech ushered in IP data networks as well to mobile phone users, enabling streaming media and web site content to be delivered directly to your phone. This is also the technology most of us are now using.
4. 4G Ultra High Speed Technology – 4G is still in its infancy and as a matter of fact the underlying standards for it are not even set in stone yet. 4G promises to drastically increase our data transfer rates, step up security and reduce if not eliminate the blips you experience when traveling between areas with different providers. This technology is also completely IP based which means that for the first time people that have coverage can actually use it as the main home broadband connection.

For most of us right now 3G is more than sufficient to meet our needs. As more and more data is set flying around the globe though 4G looks as if it will be a one stop solution to mobile internet access. This technology has so much promise that they have even given it the acronym (are you ready for this?) “MAGIC“, which stands for Mobile multimedia, Anywhere/anytime solution, Global mobility,Integrated wireless and Customized service. How will all this be made possible? One way is with a major increase in data speeds enabling up to 1GBps downloads while stationary and 100 Mbps while in motion.

So there you have it a quick overview of the 3G 4G difference and the effects it may have in your life. The only thing we can truly be certain about concerning this new technology is that you are going to need to buy a new phone and more than likely sign up for that obnoxious 2 year contract. Then again that is probably no big surprise.