[MidnightDraven]

4G is faster than 3G.

[SteveO86]

We could be looking at 7.2 MB speeds over the next few years.

[southwestcomm]

Other benefit of 4G systems -WiMAX, LTE, etc - is that they aren't cellualr based like current 3G networks. They will be more robust, capable and efficient. While they support VoIP don't expect carriers to offer voice on them. You'll find 4G data devices and hybrid 3G/4G for voice/data products.

[skeevecr]

Originally Posted by southwestcomm

Other benefit of 4G systems -WiMAX, LTE, etc - is that they aren't cellualr based like current 3G networks. They will be more robust, capable and efficient. While they support VoIP don't expect carriers to offer voice on them. You'll find 4G data devices and hybrid 3G/4G for voice/data products.

While initially true, you can expect that eventually carriers will want to also shift voice over to their 4g networks since that will allow them to reuse the spectrum currently in use for gsm or in the case of some of the networks in the uk give back that spectrum to the government so they don't have to pay hefty fees to keep it.

[hcheun]

Originally Posted by southwestcomm

Other benefit of 4G systems -WiMAX, LTE, etc - is that they aren't cellualr based like current 3G networks. They will be more robust, capable and efficient. While they support VoIP don't expect carriers to offer voice on them. You'll find 4G data devices and hybrid 3G/4G for voice/data products.

Yes, also just to add that the 4G systems , while has some elements of cellular technology in nature, is more for Data purposes and not voice network. I spoke to our rep and he said that they're looking into LTE as a solution to offer broadband access to phone's rather than really do away with traditional cellular technologies. Now it's up to the discretion of the carrier whether or not they want to go on a system to route voice traffic on this data network, but we won't know till the infrastructure is in place, and the handsets out!

[southwestcomm]

Adding voice services to 4G defeats the advantages of the data network unless the carriers are going to deploy VoIP clients on the handsets. Since carriers have robust voice networks it makes more sense to use standard cellular technology for voice and 4G for data. It also makes it easy to deploy devices that support simultaneous voice and data - unlike AT&T's current solution that doesn't work so well and isn't very effective in its use of spectrum.

[Joshiyama]

An AT&T rep told me that the current AT&T 3G network is already 4G and only a firmware upgrade is needed on devices after they enable the 4G network. And the end goal for next gen networks is all carriers will use the same protocol IE. GSM ect. Although I forget what he called it.

[SteveO86]

4G should be called LTE if I remember correctly.

[southwestcomm]

Um no. AT&T is migrating to LTE for 4G which has nothing to do with their current network.

Originally Posted by Joshiyama

An AT&T rep told me that the current AT&T 3G network is already 4G and only a firmware upgrade is needed on devices after they enable the 4G network. And the end goal for next gen networks is all carriers will use the same protocol IE. GSM ect. Although I forget what he called it.

[hcheun]

Joshiyama whoever your rep is, he might wanna check his facts and sources. (or material for that matter) While LTE has some elements of GSM technology, it's totally different from the current 3G and EVDO protocols and transmission frequencies and equipment. AT&T will use their spectrum they bought several years back in order to deploy this. Current devices CANNOT be just simply upgraded. They will require new hardware and be able to access that new frequency set aside for LTE.

So in other words, like everyone else, we'll just have to wait and buy a new BlackBerry when they start rolling out their LTE network and release a BB to go with it!

[rambo47]

WiMax is up and running in a few cities right now. Las Vegas got it most recently and it's served by the Clearwire network, part of Sprint. The wait for a device that can operate on WiMax may take a bit longer, however. Especially a WiMaxBerryxxx8482;.

[skeevecr]

Originally Posted by SteveO86

4G should be called LTE if I remember correctly.

LTE and WiMax are both types of 4g technology actually.

[SteveO86]

Phew, thought I was going a bit crazy there lol.

[JakeF150]

Umm, say, if i bought tour 9630 thru Sprint...then when Sprint release 4G will Tour 9630 3g working with 4G , say upgrade firmware device to make it work with 4G ??

Thanks!

[MidnightDraven]

nope.
its a difference in hardware.

[Marley]

Originally Posted by Midnightdraven

nope.
its a difference in hardware.

I can hardly get 3G in the UK, Orange says that i should have it where i live and work and i have put in random areas and it comes up high signal on their website, however it just drops out all the time.

Marley