The term 4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular networks which will support IP packet switching. As of December 2010, no current technologies meet the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard.
ITU Standard
The ITU set the standard for 4G networks in October 2010 stating that the peak download speed of a 4G network must be 100 megabits per second (Mbps) for devices like mobile phones and up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) for local wireless access.
Candidate Technologies
The ITU currently recognizes two marketed 4G networks as 4G candidates: Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and 3GPPP Long Term Evolution (LTE). WiMAX is a wireless broadband access technology governed by the IEEE 802.16 standard for metropolitan area networks and can offer data speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps. The LTE technology is an evolution of older GSM cellular technology and is expected to offer a data speed of 5 to 12 Mbps.
U.S. Carriers
As of November 2010, Sprint, Clearwire and Comcast have deployed WiMax networks in a few metropolitan areas. Verizon is expected to deploy an LTE network by the end of 2010. MetroPCS and AT&T are also expected to deploy LTE networks in 2011.
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