While the terms 4G and fully managed LTE solutions are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing. LTE is actually a type of 4G, which is a specific mobile speed determined by the International Telecommunications Union-Radio (ITU-R). Below is a brief overview of the differences between these two mobile technologies.

What Is 4G?

The G in 4G stands for generation, as it’s the fourth version of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. It succeeded 3G and provides a more reliable connection and higher speeds that its predecessor. In 2008, the ITU-R decided on the specifications for 4G, which is network service at 100 megabits per second for high-mobility communication — users in moving vehicles such as trains and cars — and 1 gigabit per second for low-mobility communication, meaning stationary users or pedestrians. These speeds were groundbreaking at the time they were introduced, and many carriers were unable to reach them for a number of years. Today, most 3G networks have been upgraded to 4G speeds, and the average smartphone can take advantage of 4G connectivity. 5G is also on the horizon.  

What Is LTE? 

LTE stands for long-term evolution, and it refers to a specific standard for wireless broadband networks. It was developed to increase the capacity and speed of wireless data networks via digital signal processing (DSP). When 4G was first introduced, many of the carriers who could not yet reach 4G speeds used LTE to offer comparable service. Confusingly, it was often labeled as “4G LTE,” and as a result, the terms are commonly thought to be synonyms. But technically, LTE is a first-generation 4G technology. 

Which Option Is Better?

Both 4G and fully managed LTE solutions are excellent choices for mobile services. To the average user, their differences are imperceptible. They are both vastly superior to 3G technology and allow users to seamlessly use data.  

To learn more about the differences between 4G and LTE, contact the knowledgeable technicians at MACH Networks in Carlsbad, CA. For more than a decade, this managed service provider has been offering a wide range of cost-effective products, services, and connectivity solutions to SMBs and corporations across the country. They have partnerships with AT&T®, Verizon®, and T-Mobile®, and offer a range of state-of-the-art products, including routers from Cisco®, MultiTech®, and Sierra Wireless®. Visit their website for LinkedIn page for more information, or call (866) 972-7677 to speak with a representative today.