I don't understand why so many people are getting hyped on this "4G" revolution. Federal regulations don't have a standardized meaning for what speeds "4G" can be, and so it is possible for any telecommunications corporation to advertise "4G" speeds.
Take for instance, AT&T's new recent renaming of their 3G service into 4G, covered in the Wall Street Journal article here, where the title reads "AT&T Relabels Wireless Network, Speed Up Next Generation Rollout".
The key here is the word "relabel". It is very easy to misinform consumers into thinking that a company's "4G" speeds are significantly faster than their 3G speeds, when little or no changes have been made to support such a claim. However, some companies are in fact rolling out faster connection speeds for mobile phones. One of the nation's biggest cellular carriers, Verizon Wireless, has been working on their new LTE network, which is schedule to go live later this year. Such networks do have significantly faster speeds--but it makes me wonder if they will be called "4G" or tagged along with some other term to lure consumers in. Verizon apparently is calling their new network "4G LTE"--just the right combination of new technological terms (LTE) and old favorites (X-G speeds).
It gets even more interesting when looking at the overall picture and the cellphones that will have to advertise "4G Capability". In that perspective, the entire market seems to be pushing for faster network speeds; whether or not any of the titles slapped onto these networks are genuine indicators of their speed is another story. However, if there's a demand for faster speeds, you can sure bet that corporations will supply consumers with that speed. It's just a matter of who rolls out the faster network first.
In a way, it can be called a race for telecommunications corporations to win the speed race.
-Salman
This is a very good insight in today's battle of networks. With the aggressive marketing that both Verizon and AT&T are undertaking, misinforming the consumer just became a part of it. As the author stated it, the "4G" speeds are not clearly defined yet. Many of us might have noticed how every network now talks about how their 4G is faster and better. If its so great, then why being the AT&T costumer, i can barely get anything from online!? If the network is so advanced and is ready for 4G speeds as they claim, how come i still get dropped calls and poor reception!?
ReplyDeleteAt this moment, 4G is just another scam to lure the costumers in, until 4G is clearly defined and is regulated, it might as well be EDGE on steroids covered with a sweet name of 4G.
I think mobiles are a little over the top these days.
ReplyDeleteIt's basically a game of which company can cram the biggest computer into the smallest phone.
4G are shameless, I didn't know the new name was just a gimmick, thank you for letting me know, so I won't fall for it like the average consumer.
Wonderful blog, followed.
Good points, I totally agree, I for one am not caught up in this 4G hype. I don't even know enough about it because of the lack of information.
ReplyDeleteReal 4G won't really be reached for a few decades I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why, but people go ape shit over bigger numbers, even if they're meaningless. "In a way, it can be called a race for telecommunications corporations to win the speed race." QFT
ReplyDeleteThank you for clearing up these misconceptions and showing us how companies relabel modified equipment they already market. :P Good blog and you seem like a really smart dude.
ReplyDeleteI love how the US has a sub par communications infrastructures and yet all the companies act like its the best shit ever. They are already planning dual screened 3D phones by the end of the year, they will probably be marketed as 5G. It's all a battle to stay relevant. No one actually makes to many phone calls anymore, so they have to branch out into these other areas. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if a pad with a webcam ended up destroying the cell phone.
ReplyDeleteWasn't even aware of this "4G revolution" :P But good thing I've got you to keep me updated now!
ReplyDeleteinteresting, followed!
ReplyDeleteNext year they are going to release 5G, Then 6G, so on and so forth. It is all just a scam, like everything else in America.
ReplyDeleteNever caught onto all the hype of it either. Technology is always going to keep on improving anyway.
ReplyDeleteI'm having 4G/WiMax connection at my workplace and it works great and fast!
ReplyDeleteBut the network is usually down for 10-15 minutes each day afted lunch, lol
pre-N 4G 3D... nice blog following ;)
ReplyDeleteIm getting the 32 today..>WOOT!
ReplyDeleteProduct terminology is always pretty lame. It rarely reflects actual product specifications and is usually just used out of tradition or marketing schemes to entice would-be consumers. That being said, saw your videos. Congrats on your success in life man. You seem like an assiduous worker with real goals in mind. That being said, does anyone just call you "Sal"? I always thought that was a cool nickname. Cheers.
ReplyDeletesame thing with LED tvs i guess. Their race will benefit the consumer. all is well.
ReplyDeleteAnd so the cellular cold war begins
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'm glad I read this because I have been wondering what the difference was haha. I guess it's essentially nothing
ReplyDeleteI read that the new PSP will support 4G technology as well. I hope it will then be more stable than it is now. I'm planning to buy one..
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