What is 4G?

4G stands for the fourth generation of mobile telecommunications technology, succeeding 3G and preceding 5G. It provides mobile broadband internet access to devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Introduced in the late 2000s, 4G standards were designed to support IP-based voice, data, and multimedia streaming at higher speeds and with greater efficiency than previous generations.

The two primary technologies defining 4G networks are LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), with LTE being the more widely adopted standard globally. 4G networks offer significant improvements over 3G networks, including higher data rates, reduced latency, improved system capacity, and a better user experience. This enables more robust mobile internet services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, 3D television, and cloud computing.

4G has been a fundamental shift in the way mobile communications are delivered, offering speeds that can support streaming of high-definition video and a range of new applications and services that were not possible with earlier technologies.