3G technology made accessing the internet on mobile phones and on laptops (via dongles/modems) at broadband speeds possible for the first time ever. With speeds of up to 7.2Mb, 3G is fast... but not fast enough

4G broadband is the next generation of mobile broadband technology. And with speeds on offer of up to 100Mb, it promises to revolutionise the way we use the internet while we're on the go.

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With both the mobile and wireless broadband industries moving at breakneck speeds, it was only a matter of time before 3G was overtaken. That's where 4G comes into the picture.

An abbreviation for fourth generation communications system, which is also known as 'beyond 3G' or Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, 4G promises to give consumers a more complete mobile broadband experience.

4G will see voice, data, mobile internet and streamed multimedia content being accessed on an anytime, anywhere basis at faster speeds than ever before.

Mobile broadband and 4G

Though 4G technologies are still being developed, it is widely anticipated that 4G will revolutionise mobile broadband. Some of the things we'll be able to look forward to include:

Speeds of 15 to 30Mb rising to 100Mb
Potential of always-on mobile broadband
Greater spectral efficiency
Seamless global roaming
Ability to gain connection when travelling at high speeds

The development of 4G will certainly have a positive impact on mobile broadband. Not least because of the spectral efficiency that will it provide. This will mean that networks do not become clogged with users, so that customers will have a faster and better quality connection at all times.

Currently, speeds of up to 7.2Mb are available on mobile broadband networks, though 3.6Mb has become the standard speed.

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