View source for 4G

{{Update|date=October 2023|reason=Article is messy and contains out of date information.}}{{Short description|Broadband cellular network technology}}
{{About|the mobile internet access standard}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{List of mobile phone generations}}
'''4G''' refers to the fourth generation of [[cellular network]] technology, first introduced in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Compared to preceding third-generation ([[3G]]) technologies, 4G has been designed to support [[all-IP]] communications and [[Mobile broadband|broadband]] services, and eliminates [[circuit switching]] in voice telephony.<ref name=":2" /> It also has considerably higher data bandwidth compared to 3G, enabling a variety of data-intensive applications<ref>{{Citation |last1=Li |first1=Zhengmao |title=From 5G to 5G+ |date=2020-08-11 |work=5G+ |pages=19–33 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6819-0_3 |access-date=2022-08-03 |place=Singapore |publisher=Springer Singapore |doi=10.1007/978-981-15-6819-0_3 |isbn=978-981-15-6818-3 |s2cid=225014477 |last2=Wang |first2=Xiaoyun |last3=Zhang |first3=Tongxu|url-access=subscription }}</ref> such as [[HDTV|high-definition]] [[Streaming media|media streaming]] and the expansion of [[Internet of things|Internet of Things]] (IoT) applications.<ref name=":2" />

The earliest deployed technologies marketed as "4G" were [[LTE (telecommunication)|Long Term Evolution]] (LTE), developed by the [[3GPP]] group, and [[WiMAX|Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access]] (Mobile WiMAX), based on [[IEEE]] specifications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eberle |first=Dieter |title=LTE vs. WiMAX 4th generation telecommunication networks |url=https://3g4g.co.uk/Lte/LTE_WiMAX_WP_1101_BIT.pdf |website=3g4g.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LTE vs WiMAX |url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/730980/wireless-lte-vs-wimax-2.html |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=Network World |language=en}}</ref> These provided significant enhancements over previous 3G and [[2G]].

== Technical overview ==
In November 2008, the [[ITU-R|International Telecommunication Union-Radio communications sector]] (ITU-R) specified a set of requirements for 4G standards, named the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-Advanced) specification, setting peak speed requirements for 4G service at 100 [[megabits per second]] (Mbit/s)(=12.5 megabytes per second) for high mobility communication (such as from trains and cars) and 1 [[gigabit per second]] (Gbit/s) for low mobility communication (such as pedestrians and stationary users).<ref name="IMT-Advanced-requirements">[[ITU-R]], [http://www.itu.int/pub/R-REP-M.2134-2008/en Report M.2134, Requirements related to technical performance for IMT-Advanced radio interface(s)], Approved in November 2008</ref>

Since the first-release versions of [[Mobile WiMAX]] and [[Long Term Evolution|LTE]] support much less than 1&nbsp;Gbit/s peak bit rate, they are not fully IMT-Advanced compliant, but are often branded 4G by service providers. According to operators, a generation of the network refers to the deployment of a new non-backward-compatible technology. On December 6, 2010, ITU-R recognized that these two technologies, as well as other beyond-3G technologies that do not fulfill the IMT-Advanced requirements, could nevertheless be considered "4G", provided they represent forerunners to IMT-Advanced compliant versions and "a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third generation systems now deployed". Both the original LTE and WiMAX standards had previously sometimes been referred to as 3.9G/3.95G.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Dale Walker last |date=2019-09-25 |title=What is LTE? |url=https://www.itpro.com/network-internet/34492/what-is-lte |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=ITPro |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=admin-ectnews |date=2008-07-23 |title=The Road to 4G: WiMax Leads the Way |url=https://www.technewsworld.com/story/the-road-to-4g-wimax-leads-the-way-63903.html |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=TechNewsWorld |language=en-US}}</ref> The ITU's new definition for 4G also included [[Evolved High Speed Packet Access]] (HSPA+).<ref>{{cite web |date=December 18, 2010 |title=ITU says LTE, WiMax and HSPA+ are now officially 4G |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/ITU-says-LTE-WiMax-and-HSPA--are-now-officially-4G_id15435 |access-date=19 June 2022 |website=phonearena.com}}</ref> 

[[Mobile WiMAX Release 2]] (also known as ''WirelessMAN-Advanced'' or ''IEEE 802.16m'') and [[LTE Advanced]]
(LTE-A) are IMT-Advanced compliant backwards compatible versions of the above two systems, standardized during the spring 2011,{{citation needed|date=March 2012}} and promising speeds in the order of 1&nbsp;Gbit/s. In January 2012, the ITU backtracked on its previous definition for 4G, claiming that Mobile WiMAX 2 and LTE Advanced are "true 4G" while their predecessors are "transitional" 3G-4G.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Gompa |first=Neal |date=2012-01-23 |title=ITU designates LTE-Advanced as "True 4G" |url=https://www.extremetech.com/internet/114953-itu-designates-lte-advanced-as-true-4g |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=ExtremeTech |language=en}}</ref>

As opposed to earlier generations, a 4G system does not support traditional [[circuit-switched]] telephony service, but instead relies on all-[[Internet Protocol]] (IP) based communication such as [[IP telephony]]. As seen below, the [[spread spectrum]] radio technology used in 3G systems is abandoned in all 4G candidate systems and replaced by [[OFDMA]] [[multi-carrier]] transmission and other [[single-carrier FDMA|frequency-domain equalization]] (FDE) schemes, making it possible to transfer very high bit rates despite extensive [[multipath propagation|multi-path radio propagation]] (echoes). The peak bit rate is further improved by [[smart antenna]] arrays for [[MIMO|multiple-input multiple-output]] (MIMO) communications.

== Background ==
In the field of mobile communications, a "generation" generally refers to a change in the fundamental nature of the service, non-backwards-compatible transmission technology, higher peak bit rates, new frequency bands, wider channel frequency bandwidth in Hertz, and higher capacity for many simultaneous data transfers (higher [[system spectral efficiency]] in [[bit]]/second/Hertz/site).

New mobile generations have appeared about every ten years since the first move from 1981 analog (1G) to digital (2G) transmission in 1992. This was followed, in 2001, by 3G multi-media support, [[spread spectrum]] transmission and a minimum peak bit rate of 200 [[kbit/s]], in 2011/2012 to be followed by "real" 4G, which refers to all-IP [[packet switching|packet-switched]] networks giving mobile ultra-broadband (gigabit speed) access.

While the ITU has adopted recommendations for technologies that would be used for future global communications, they do not actually perform the standardization or development work themselves, instead relying on the work of other standard bodies such as IEEE, WiMAX Forum, and 3GPP.

In the mid-1990s, the [[ITU-R]] standardization organization released the [[IMT-2000]] requirements as a framework for what standards should be considered [[3G]] systems, requiring 2000&nbsp;kbit/s peak bit rate.<ref name=":65">{{cite web |title=IMT-2000 |url=https://networkencyclopedia.com/imt-2000/ |website=Network Encyclopedia |date=September 8, 2019 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> The fastest 3G-based standard in the [[UMTS]] family is the [[HSPA+]] standard, which has been commercially available since 2009 and offers 21&nbsp;Mbit/s downstream (11&nbsp;Mbit/s upstream) without [[MIMO]], i.e. with only one antenna, and in 2011 accelerated up to 42&nbsp;Mbit/s peak bit rate downstream using either [[Dual-Cell HSDPA|DC-HSPA+]] (simultaneous use of two 5&nbsp;MHz UMTS carriers)<ref name="LteWorld">[http://lteworld.org/blog/62-commercial-networks-support-dc-hspa-drives-hspa-investments 62 commercial networks support DC-HSPA+, drives HSPA investments] LteWorld February 7, 2012</ref> or
2x2 MIMO. In theory speeds up to 672&nbsp;Mbit/s are possible, but have not been deployed yet. The fastest 3G-based standard in the [[CDMA2000]] family is the [[EV-DO Rev. B]], which is available since 2010 and offers 15.67&nbsp;Mbit/s downstream.

In 2008, ITU-R specified the [[IMT Advanced]] (International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced) requirements for 4G systems.

== Frequencies for 4G+ LTE networks ==
{{Main article|LTE frequency bands}}

== IMT-Advanced requirements ==
This article refers to 4G using IMT-Advanced (''International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced''), as defined by [[ITU-R]]. An IMT-Advanced [[mobile phone|cellular system]] must fulfill the following requirements:<ref name="Vilches, J. 2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.techspot.com/guides/272-everything-about-4g/page3.html |title=Everything You Need To Know About 4G Wireless Technology |last=Vilches |first=J. |website=TechSpot |date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=January 11, 2016}}</ref>
* Be based on an all-IP packet switched network.
* Have peak data rates of up to approximately 100{{nbsp}}Mbit/s for high mobility such as mobile access and up to approximately 1{{nbsp}}Gbit/s for low mobility such as nomadic/local wireless access.<ref name="IMT-Advanced-requirements" />
* Be able to dynamically share and use the network resources to support more simultaneous users per cell.
* Use scalable channel bandwidths of 5–20&nbsp;MHz, optionally up to 40&nbsp;MHz.<ref name="IMT-Advanced-requirements" /><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-9793EN.pdf |first=Moray |last=Rumney |title=IMT-Advanced: 4G Wireless Takes Shape in an Olympic Year |journal=Agilent Measurement Journal |date=September 2008 |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117165338/http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-9793EN.pdf |archive-date=January 17, 2016 }}</ref>
* Have peak [[link spectral efficiency]] of 15{{nbsp}}bit/s·Hz in the downlink, and 6.75{{nbsp}}bit/s·Hz in the up link (meaning that 1{{nbsp}}Gbit/s in the downlink should be possible over less than 67&nbsp;MHz bandwidth).
* [[System spectral efficiency]] is, in indoor cases, 3{{nbsp}}bit/s·Hz·cell for downlink and 2.25{{nbsp}}bit/s·Hz·cell for up link.<ref name="IMT-Advanced-requirements" />
* Smooth handovers across heterogeneous networks.

In September 2009, the technology proposals were submitted to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as 4G candidates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nomor-research.com/home/technology/3gpp-newsletter/2009-12-the-way-of-lte-towards-4g |title=2009-12: The way of LTE towards 4G |work=Nomor Research |access-date=January 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117172311/http://www.nomor-research.com/home/technology/3gpp-newsletter/2009-12-the-way-of-lte-towards-4g |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Basically all proposals are based on two technologies:

* [[LTE Advanced]] standardized by the [[3GPP]]
* [[802.16m]] standardized by the [[IEEE]]

Implementations of Mobile WiMAX and first-release LTE were largely considered a stopgap solution that would offer a considerable boost until WiMAX 2 (based on the 802.16m specification) and LTE Advanced was deployed. The latter's standard versions were ratified in spring 2011.

The first set of 3GPP requirements on LTE Advanced was approved in June 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/html-info/36913.htm |title=3GPP specification: Requirements for further advancements for E-UTRA (LTE Advanced) |website=3GPP |access-date=August 21, 2013}}</ref> LTE Advanced was standardized in 2010 as part of Release 10 of the 3GPP specification.

Some sources consider first-release LTE and Mobile WiMAX implementations as pre-4G or near-4G, as they do not fully comply with the planned requirements of 1{{nbsp}}Gbit/s for stationary reception and 100{{nbsp}}Mbit/s for mobile.

Confusion has been caused by some mobile carriers who have launched products advertised as 4G but which according to some sources are pre-4G versions, commonly referred to as 3.9G, which do not follow the ITU-R defined principles for 4G standards, but today can be called 4G according to ITU-R. [[Vodafone Netherlands]] for example, advertised LTE as 4G, while advertising LTE Advanced as their '4G+' service. A common argument for branding 3.9G systems as new-generation is that they use different frequency bands from 3G technologies; that they are based on a new radio-interface paradigm; and that the standards are not backwards compatible with 3G, whilst some of the standards are forwards compatible with IMT-2000 compliant versions of the same standards.

== System standards ==

=== IMT-2000 compliant 4G standards ===
As of October 2010, ITU-R Working Party 5D approved two industry-developed technologies (LTE Advanced and WirelessMAN-Advanced)<ref name="ITU paves way for next-generation 4G mobile technologies">{{Cite press release | url =http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2010/40.aspx | title =ITU paves way for next-generation 4G mobile technologies | publisher =ITU | date =21 October 2010 | access-date =January 6, 2011 | archive-date =July 20, 2011 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110720004237/http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2010/40.aspx | url-status =dead }}</ref> for inclusion in the ITU's International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced program ([[IMT-Advanced]] program), which is focused on global communication systems that will be available several years from now.

==== LTE Advanced ====
{{Main|LTE Advanced}}
[[LTE Advanced]] (Long Term Evolution Advanced) is a candidate for [[IMT-Advanced]] standard, formally submitted by the [[3GPP]] organization to ITU-T in the fall 2009, and as of 2013 has been released to the public.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Akyildiz |first1=Ian F. |last2=Gutierrez-Estevez |first2=David M. |last3=Reyes |first3=Elias Chavarria |date=2010-12-01 |title=The evolution to 4G cellular systems: LTE-Advanced |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1874490710000303 |journal=Physical Communication |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=217–244 |doi=10.1016/j.phycom.2010.08.001 |issn=1874-4907|url-access=subscription }}</ref>{{Update inline|date=November 2019}}The target of 3GPP LTE Advanced is to reach and surpass the ITU requirements.<ref>{{cite conference |url=http://www.ericsson.com/res/thecompany/docs/journal_conference_papers/wireless_access/VTC08F_jading.pdf |title=LTE Advanced – Evolving LTE towards IMT-Advanced |last1=Parkvall |first1=Stefan |last2=Dahlman |first2=Erik |first3=Anders |last3=Furuskär |first4=Ylva |last4=Jading |first5=Magnus |last5=Olsson |first6=Stefan |last6=Wänstedt |first7=Kambiz |last7=Zangi |conference=[[Vehicular Technology Conference]] Fall 2008 |date=21–24 September 2008 |location=Stockholm |website=Ericsson Research |access-date=November 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307095616/http://www.ericsson.com/res/thecompany/docs/journal_conference_papers/wireless_access/VTC08F_jading.pdf |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> LTE Advanced is essentially an enhancement to LTE. It is not a new technology, but rather an improvement on the existing LTE network. This upgrade path makes it more cost effective for vendors to offer LTE and then upgrade to LTE Advanced which is similar to the upgrade from WCDMA to HSPA. LTE and LTE Advanced will also make use of additional spectrums and multiplexing to allow it to achieve higher data speeds. Coordinated Multi-point Transmission will also allow more system capacity to help handle the enhanced data speeds.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Data speeds of LTE-Advanced
! !! LTE Advanced
|-
| Peak download || 1000&nbsp;Mbit/s
|-
| Peak upload   || {{0}}500&nbsp;Mbit/s
|}

==== IEEE 802.16m or WirelessMAN-Advanced ====
{{Update section|date=August 2021}}

The [[IEEE 802.16m]] or [[WirelessMAN-Advanced]] (WiMAX 2) evolution of 802.16e is under development, with the objective to fulfill the IMT-Advanced criteria of 1&nbsp;Gbit/s for stationary reception and 100&nbsp;Mbit/s for mobile reception.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ieee802.org/16/tgm/docs/80216m-08_003r1.pdf |title=The Draft IEEE 802.16m System Description Document |website=ieee802.org |date=April 4, 2008}}</ref>

=== Forerunner versions ===

==== Long Term Evolution (LTE) ====
{{Main|LTE (telecommunication)}}
[[File:Samsung 4G LTE modem-4.jpg|thumb|[[TeliaSonera|Telia]]-branded Samsung LTE modem]]
[[File:Huawei 4G+ Modem.jpg|thumb|right|Huawei 4G+ Dual Band Modem]]

The pre-4G [[3GPP Long Term Evolution]] (LTE) technology is often branded "4G – LTE", but the first LTE release does not fully comply with the IMT-Advanced requirements. LTE has a theoretical [[net bit rate]] capacity of up to 100&nbsp;Mbit/s in the downlink and 50&nbsp;Mbit/s in the uplink if a 20&nbsp;MHz channel is used — and more if [[multiple-input multiple-output]] (MIMO), i.e. antenna arrays, are used.

The physical radio interface was at an early stage named ''High Speed [[OFDM]] Packet Access'' (HSOPA), now named [[Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access]] (E-UTRA).
The first [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] USB dongles do not support any other radio interface.

The world's first publicly available LTE service was opened in the two Scandinavian capitals, [[Stockholm]] ([[Ericsson]] and [[Nokia Solutions and Networks|Nokia Siemens Networks]] systems) and [[Oslo]] (a [[Huawei]] system) on December 14, 2009, and branded 4G. The user terminals were manufactured by Samsung.<ref name="deepak kirdoliya">{{cite web |title=how to download youtube videos in jio phone – 4G/LTE – Ericsson, Samsung Make LTE Connection – Telecom News Analysis |url=https://quickblogsoft.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-to-download-youtube-videos-in-jio.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103060111/https://quickblogsoft.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-to-download-youtube-videos-in-jio.html |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |access-date=January 3, 2019 |website=quickblogsoft.blogspot.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> As of November 2012, the five publicly available LTE services in the United States are provided by [[MetroPCS]],<ref name=MetroPCS>{{cite web |url=http://www.metropcs.com/presscenter/articles/mpcs-news-20100921.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924143409/http://www.metropcs.com/presscenter/articles/mpcs-news-20100921.aspx|archive-date=2010-09-24 |title=MetroPCS Launches First 4G LTE Services in the United States and Unveils World's First Commercially Available 4G LTE Phone |website=MetroPCS IR|date=21 September 2010 |access-date=April 8, 2011}}</ref> [[Verizon Wireless]],<ref name="VerizonLTE">{{cite news |author=Hiner |first=Jason |date=12 January 2011 |title=How AT&T and T-Mobile conjured 4G networks out of thin air |url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/how-at-t-and-t-mobile-conjured-4g-networks-out-of-thin-air/7361 |access-date=April 5, 2011 |website=TechRepublic}}</ref> [[AT&T Mobility]], [[U.S. Cellular]],<ref name="USCellular">{{cite web |author=Bennet |first=Brian |date=5 April 2012 |title=Meet U.S. Cellular's first 4G LTE phone: Samsung Galaxy S Aviator |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57409851-94/meet-u.s-cellulars-first-4g-lte-phone-samsung-galaxy-s-aviator/ |access-date=April 11, 2012 |work=CNet}}</ref> [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]],<ref name=SprintTE>{{cite web |title=Sprint 4G LTE Launching in 5 Cities July 15 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2406401,00.asp |website=PC Magazine |access-date=November 3, 2012|date=27 June 2012}}</ref> and [[T-Mobile US]].<ref name="T-MobileLTE">{{cite web |title=We have you covered like nobody else |url=http://t-mobile-coverage.t-mobile.com |website=T-Mobile USA |access-date=April 6, 2013 |date=6 April 2013 |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329064356/http://t-mobile-coverage.t-mobile.com/ |archive-date=March 29, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

T-Mobile Hungary launched a public beta test (called ''friendly user test'') on 7 October 2011, and has offered commercial 4G LTE services since 1 January 2012.{{citation needed|date=May 2012}}

In South Korea, SK Telecom and LG U+ have enabled access to LTE service since 1 July 2011 for data devices, slated to go nationwide by 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/sk-telecom-and-lg-u-launch-lte-in-seoul-fellow-south-koreans-s/ |title=SK Telecom and LG U+ launch LTE in Seoul, fellow South Koreans seethe with envy |date=5 July 2011 |access-date=July 13, 2011}}</ref> KT Telecom closed its 2G service by March 2012 and completed nationwide LTE service in the same frequency around 1.8&nbsp;GHz by June 2012.

In the United Kingdom, LTE services were launched by [[EE (telecommunications)|EE]] in October 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://explore.ee.co.uk/our-company/newsroom/ee-launches-superfast-4g-and-fibre-for-uk-consumers-and-businesses-today |title=EE launches Superfast 4G and Fibre for UK consumers and businesses today |website=EE |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=September 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910145340/http://explore.ee.co.uk/our-company/newsroom/ee-launches-superfast-4g-and-fibre-for-uk-consumers-and-businesses-today |url-status=dead }}</ref> by [[O2 (United Kingdom)|O2]] and [[Vodafone UK|Vodafone]] in August 2013,<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller |first=Joe |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23868082 |title=Vodafone and O2 begin limited roll-out of 4G networks |website=BBC News |date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013}}</ref> and by [[Three UK|Three]] in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Orlowski |first=Andrew |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/12/05/3_offers_free_us_roaming_confirms_stealth_4g_roll_out/ |title=Three offers free US roaming, confirms stealth 4G rollout |website=The Register |date=5 December 2013 |access-date=6 December 2013}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Data speeds of LTE<ref name="4g">{{Cite web |title=How fast are 4G and 5G? - Speeds and UK network performance |url=https://www.4g.co.uk/how-fast-is-4g/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=www.4g.co.uk}}</ref>
! !! LTE
|-
| Peak download || {{0}}150&nbsp;Mbit/s
|-
| Peak upload   || {{0}}{{0}}50&nbsp;Mbit/s
|}

==== Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e) ====
The [[Mobile WiMAX]] (IEEE 802.16e-2005) mobile wireless broadband access (MWBA) standard (also known as [[WiBro]] in South Korea) is sometimes branded 4G, and offers peak data rates of 128&nbsp;Mbit/s downlink and 56&nbsp;Mbit/s uplink over 20&nbsp;MHz wide channels. {{Citation needed|date=October 2010}}

In June 2006, the world's first commercial mobile WiMAX service was opened by [[KT (telecommunication company)|KT]] in [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]].<ref name="kt">{{cite web |url=http://www.biztechreport.com/story/1619-super-fast-4g-wireless-service-launching-south-korea |title=Super-Fast 4G Wireless Service Launching in South Korea |last=Shukla |first=Anuradha |date=October 10, 2011 |work=Asia-Pacific Business and Technology Report |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-date=November 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118210835/http://biztechreport.com/story/1619-super-fast-4g-wireless-service-launching-south-korea |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] has begun using Mobile WiMAX, as of 29 September 2008, branding it as a "4G" network even though the current version does not fulfill the IMT Advanced requirements on 4G systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/sprint-announces-seven-new-wimax-markets-says-let-atandt-and-ver/ |title=Sprint announces seven new WiMAX markets, says 'Let AT&T and Verizon yak about maps and 3G coverage' |website=Engadget|date=March 23, 2010 |access-date=April 8, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325023708/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/sprint-announces-seven-new-wimax-markets-says-let-atandt-and-ver/| archive-date=March 25, 2010| url-status=live}}</ref>

In Russia, Belarus and Nicaragua WiMax broadband internet access were offered by a Russian company [[Scartel]], and was also branded 4G, [[Yota]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/yota-lte-idUSLDE64K1V920100521|title=UPDATE 1-Russia's Yota drops WiMax in favour of LTE|newspaper=Reuters|date=May 21, 2010}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Data speeds of WiMAX
! !! WiMAX
|-
| Peak download || {{0}}128&nbsp;Mbit/s
|-
| Peak upload   || {{0}}{{0}}56&nbsp;Mbit/s
|}

In the latest version of the standard, WiMax 2.1, the standard has been updated to be not compatible with earlier WiMax standard, and is instead interchangeable with LTE-TDD system, effectively merging WiMax standard with LTE.

==== TD-LTE for China market ====
{{Synthesis|section|date=April 2017}}

Just as [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|Long-Term Evolution]] (LTE) and WiMAX are being vigorously promoted in the global telecommunications industry, the former (LTE) is also the most powerful 4G mobile communications leading technology and has quickly occupied the Chinese market. [[TD-LTE]], one of the two variants of the LTE air interface technologies, is not yet mature, but many domestic and international wireless carriers are, one after the other turning to TD-LTE.

IBM's data shows that 67% of the operators are considering LTE because this is the main source of their future market. The above news also confirms IBM's statement that while only 8% of the operators are considering the use of WiMAX, WiMAX can provide the fastest network transmission to its customers on the market and could challenge LTE.

TD-LTE is not the first 4G wireless mobile broadband network data standard, but it is China's 4G standard that was amended and published by China's largest telecom operator – [[China Mobile]]. After a series of field trials, is expected to be released into the commercial phase in the next two years. Ulf Ewaldsson, Ericsson's vice president said: "the Chinese Ministry of Industry and China Mobile in the fourth quarter of this year will hold a large-scale field test, by then, Ericsson will help the hand." But viewing from the current development trend, whether this standard advocated by China Mobile will be widely recognized by the international market is still debatable.

=== Discontinued candidate systems ===

==== UMB (formerly EV-DO Rev. C) ====
{{Main|Ultra Mobile Broadband}}

UMB ([[Ultra Mobile Broadband]]) was the brand name for a discontinued 4G project within the [[3GPP2]] standardization group to improve the [[CDMA2000]] mobile phone standard for next generation applications and requirements. In November 2008, [[Qualcomm]], UMB's lead sponsor, announced it was ending development of the technology, favoring LTE instead.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN1335969420081113?rpc=401& Qualcomm halts UMB project], Reuters, November 13th, 2008</ref> The objective was to achieve data speeds over 275&nbsp;Mbit/s downstream and over 75&nbsp;Mbit/s upstream.

==== Flash-OFDM ====
At an early stage the [[Flash-OFDM]] system was expected to be further developed into a 4G standard.

==== iBurst and MBWA (IEEE 802.20) systems ====
The [[iBurst]] system (or HC-SDMA, High Capacity Spatial Division Multiple Access) was at an early stage considered to be a 4G predecessor. It was later further developed into the [[Mobile Broadband Wireless Access]] (MBWA) system, also known as IEEE 802.20.

== Principal technologies in all candidate systems ==
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2015}}

=== Key features ===
The following key features can be observed in all suggested 4G technologies:
* Physical layer transmission techniques are as follows:<ref name="WWRF WG5">{{cite web |last1=Fettweis |first1=G. |last2=Zimmermann |first2=E. |last3=Bonneville |first3=H. |last4=Schott |first4=W. |last5=Gosse |first5=K. |last6=de Courville |first6=M. |year=2004 |title=High Throughput WLAN/WPAN |url=http://www.wireless-world-research.org/fileadmin/sites/default/files/about_the_forum/WG/WG5/Briefings/WG5-br2-High_Throughput_WLAN_WPAN-V2004.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216083847/http://www.wireless-world-research.org/fileadmin/sites/default/files/about_the_forum/WG/WG5/Briefings/WG5-br2-High_Throughput_WLAN_WPAN-V2004.pdf |archive-date=2008-02-16 |website=WWRF}}</ref>
** [[MIMO]]: To attain ultra high spectral efficiency by means of spatial processing including multi-antenna and multi-user MIMO
** Frequency-domain-equalization, for example ''multi-carrier modulation'' ([[OFDM]]) in the downlink or ''single-carrier frequency-domain-equalization'' (SC-FDE) in the uplink: To exploit the frequency selective channel property without complex equalization
** Frequency-domain statistical multiplexing, for example ([[OFDMA]]) or (single-carrier FDMA) (SC-FDMA, a.k.a. linearly precoded OFDMA, LP-OFDMA) in the uplink: Variable bit rate by assigning different sub-channels to different users based on the channel conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dahmen-Lhuissier |first=Sabine |title=4th Generation (LTE) |url=https://www.etsi.org/technologies/mobile/4G?jjj=1719328472364 |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=ETSI |language=en-gb}}</ref>
** [[turbo code|Turbo principle]] [[error-correcting code]]s: To minimize the required [[Signal-to-noise ratio|SNR]] at the reception side
* [[Channel-dependent scheduling]]: To use the time-varying channel
* [[Link adaptation]]: [[Adaptive modulation]] and error-correcting codes
* [[Mobile IP]] utilized for mobility
* IP-based [[femtocell]]s (home nodes connected to fixed Internet broadband infrastructure)

As opposed to earlier generations, 4G systems do not support circuit switched telephony. IEEE 802.20, UMB and OFDM standards<ref>{{cite web |title=4G standards that lack cooperative relaying |url=http://tikonaplans.blogspot.in/2012/07/4g-standards-that-lack-cooperative.html|date=July 5, 2012}}</ref> lack [[soft-handover]] support, also known as [[Cooperative wireless communications|cooperative relaying]].

=== Multiplexing and access schemes ===
{{Importance section|date=May 2010}}
Recently, new access schemes like [[OFDMA|Orthogonal FDMA]] (OFDMA), [[SC-FDMA|Single Carrier FDMA]] (SC-FDMA), Interleaved FDMA, and [[Multi-carrier code-division multiple access|Multi-carrier CDMA]] (MC-CDMA) are gaining more importance for the next generation systems. These are based on efficient [[Fast Fourier transform|FFT]] algorithms and frequency domain equalization, resulting in a lower number of multiplications per second. They also make it possible to control the bandwidth and form the spectrum in a flexible way. However, they require advanced dynamic channel allocation and adaptive traffic scheduling.

[[WiMax]] is using OFDMA in the downlink and in the uplink. For the [[LTE (telecommunication)]], OFDMA is used for the downlink; by contrast, [[Single-carrier FDMA]] is used for the uplink since OFDMA contributes more to the [[Crest factor|PAPR]] related issues and results in nonlinear operation of amplifiers. IFDMA provides less power fluctuation and thus requires energy-inefficient linear amplifiers. Similarly, MC-CDMA is in the proposal for the [[802.20|IEEE 802.20]] standard. These access schemes offer the same efficiencies as older technologies like CDMA. Apart from this, scalability and higher data rates can be achieved.

The other important advantage of the above-mentioned access techniques is that they require less complexity for equalization at the receiver. This is an added advantage especially in the [[MIMO]] environments since the [[spatial multiplexing]] transmission of MIMO systems inherently require high complexity equalization at the receiver.

In addition to improvements in these multiplexing systems, improved [[modulation]] techniques are being used. Whereas earlier standards largely used [[Phase-shift keying]], more efficient systems such as 64[[QAM]] are being proposed for use with the [[3GPP Long Term Evolution]] standards.

=== IPv6 support ===
Unlike 3G, which is based on two parallel infrastructures consisting of [[circuit switched]] and [[packet switched]] network nodes, 4G is based on packet switching ''only''. This requires [[Network latency|low-latency]] data transmission.

As IPv4 addresses are (nearly) [[IPv4 address exhaustion|exhausted]],<ref group=Note>The exact exhaustion status is difficult to determine, as it is unknown how many unused addresses exist at ISPs, and how many of the addresses that are permanently unused by their owners can still be freed and transferred to others.</ref> [[IPv6]] is essential to support the large number of wireless-enabled devices that communicate using IP. By increasing the number of [[IP address]]es available, IPv6 removes the need for [[network address translation]] (NAT), a method of sharing a limited number of addresses among a larger group of devices, which has [[network address translation#Issues and limitations|a number of problems and limitations]]. When using IPv6, some kind of NAT is still required for communication with legacy IPv4 devices that are not also IPv6-connected.

{{As of|2009|06}}, [[Verizon Communications|Verizon]] has posted specifications that require any 4G devices on its network to support IPv6.<ref>
{{cite web
    | url = http://lteuniversity.com/get_trained/expert_opinion1/b/hoomanrazani/archive/2009/06/15/lte-device-requirements-for-verizon-wireless.aspx
    | title = LTE Device Requirements for Verizon Wireless
    | date = June 16, 2009
    | access-date = April 23, 2024
    | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180306142655/http://lteuniversity.com/get_trained/expert_opinion1/b/hoomanrazani/archive/2009/06/15/lte-device-requirements-for-verizon-wireless.aspx
    | archive-date = March 6, 2018
}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite web
    | last = Morr
    | first = Derek
    | title = Verizon mandates IPv6 support for next-gen cell phones
    | date =June 9, 2009
    | url = http://www.personal.psu.edu/dvm105/blogs/ipv6/2009/06/verizon-mandates-ipv6-support.html
    | access-date = June 10, 2009
}}
</ref>

=== Advanced antenna systems ===
{{Main|MIMO|Multi-user MIMO}}

The performance of radio communications depends on an antenna system, termed [[smart antenna|smart]] or [[intelligent antenna]]. Recently, [[Multiple antenna research|multiple antenna technologies]] are emerging to achieve the goal of 4G systems such as high rate, high reliability, and long range communications. In the early 1990s, to cater for the growing data rate needs of data communication, many transmission schemes were proposed. One technology, [[spatial multiplexing]], gained importance for its bandwidth conservation and power efficiency. Spatial multiplexing involves deploying multiple antennas at the transmitter and at the receiver. Independent streams can then be transmitted simultaneously from all the antennas. This technology, called [[MIMO]] (as a branch of [[intelligent antenna]]), multiplies the base data rate by (the smaller of) the number of transmit antennas or the number of receive antennas. Apart from this, the reliability in transmitting high speed data in the fading channel can be improved by using more antennas at the transmitter or at the receiver. This is called ''transmit'' or ''receive diversity''. Both transmit/receive diversity and transmit spatial multiplexing are categorized into the space-time coding techniques, which does not necessarily require the channel knowledge at the transmitter. The other category is closed-loop multiple antenna technologies, which require channel knowledge at the transmitter.

=== Open-wireless Architecture and Software-defined radio (SDR) ===
One of the key technologies for 4G and beyond is called Open Wireless Architecture (OWA), supporting multiple wireless air interfaces in an [[open architecture]] platform.

[[Software-defined radio|SDR]] is one form of open wireless architecture (OWA). Since 4G is a collection of wireless standards, the final form of a 4G device will constitute various standards. This can be efficiently realized using SDR technology, which is categorized to the area of the radio convergence.

== History of 4G and pre-4G technologies ==
In 1991, [[WiLAN]] founders Hatim Zaghloul and Michel Fattouche invented [[wideband]] [[orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing]] (WOFDM), the basis for wideband [[wireless communication]] applications,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hassanien |first=Aboul Ella |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zx9LDQAAQBAJ&pg=PR14 |title=Proceedings of the International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems and Informatics 2016 |last2=Shaalan |first2=Khaled |last3=Gaber |first3=Tarek |last4=Azar |first4=Ahmad Taher |last5=Tolba |first5=M. F. |date=2016-10-20 |publisher=[[Springer Science+Business Media|Springer]] |isbn=978-3-319-48308-5 |pages=xiv |language=en}}</ref> including 4G mobile communications.<ref name="ergen">{{cite book |author=Ergen |first=Mustafa |title=Mobile Broadband: including WiMAX and LTE |publisher=Springer Science+Business Media |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-387-68189-4 |doi=10.1007/978-0-387-68192-4}}</ref>[[File:Cellular network standards and generation timeline.svg|thumb|upright=1.4|Cellular network standards and generation timeline.]]
The 4G system was originally envisioned by the [[DARPA]], the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} DARPA selected the distributed architecture and end-to-end Internet protocol (IP), and believed at an early stage in peer-to-peer networking in which every mobile device would be both a transceiver and a router for other devices in the network, eliminating the spoke-and-hub weakness of 2G and 3G cellular systems.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Zheng |first1=P |title=Wireless Networking Complete |last2=Peterson |first2=L |last3=Davie |first3=B |last4=Farrel |first4=A |publisher=Morgan Kaufmann |year=2009 |isbn=9780123785701}}</ref>{{Rp|needed=yes|date=October 2012}} Since the 2.5G GPRS system, cellular systems have provided dual infrastructures: packet switched nodes for data services, and circuit switched nodes for voice calls. In 4G systems, the circuit-switched infrastructure is abandoned and only a [[packet-switched network]] is provided, while 2.5G and 3G systems require both packet-switched and circuit-switched [[network node]]s, i.e. two infrastructures in parallel. This means that in 4G traditional voice calls are replaced by IP telephony.

* In 2002, the strategic vision for 4G—which [[ITU]] designated as [[IMT Advanced]]—was laid out.
* In 2004, [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] was first proposed by [[NTT DoCoMo]] of Japan.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alabaster |first=Jay |date=20 August 2012 |title=Japan's NTT DoCoMo signs up 1 million LTE users in a month, hits 5 million total |url=http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/082012-japan39s-ntt-docomo-signs-up-261759.html |newspaper=Network World |publisher=IDG |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203010826/http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/082012-japan39s-ntt-docomo-signs-up-261759.html |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* In 2005, [[OFDMA]] transmission technology is chosen as candidate for the [[HSOPA]] downlink, later renamed 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) air interface [[E-UTRA]].
* In November 2005, [[KT (telecommunication company)|KT Corporation]] demonstrated mobile WiMAX service in [[Busan]], [[South Korea]].<ref name="kt demo">{{cite web|title=KT Launches Commercial WiBro Services in South Korea |url=http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/831 |website=[[WiMAX#WiMAX Forum|WiMAX Forum]] |date=November 15, 2005 |access-date=June 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529182700/http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/831 |archive-date=May 29, 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* In April 2006, [[KT Corporation]] started the world's first commercial mobile WiMAX service in Seoul, [[South Korea]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INFORMATIONANDCOMMUNICATIONANDTECHNOLOGIES/Resources/D2S3P1-HansukKim.ppt |title=KT's Experience In Development Projects|date=March 2011}}</ref>
* In mid-2006, [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] announced that it would invest about US$5 billion in a [[WiMAX]] technology buildout over the next few years<ref name=sprint>{{cite web |title=4G Mobile Broadband|url =http://www2.sprint.com/mr/cda_pkDetail.do?id=1260 |publisher=Sprint |access-date=March 12, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222022426/http://www2.sprint.com/mr/cda_pkDetail.do?id=1260| archive-date=February 22, 2008}}</ref> (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|5000000000|2006}}}} in [[Real versus nominal value (economics)|real]] terms{{Inflation-fn|US}}). Since that time Sprint has faced many setbacks that have resulted in steep quarterly losses. On 7 May 2008, [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]], [[Imagine Communications|Imagine]], [[Google]], [[Intel]], [[Comcast]], [[Bright House Networks|Bright House]], and [[Time Warner]] announced a pooling of an average of 120&nbsp;MHz of spectrum; Sprint merged its [[Xohm]] WiMAX division with [[Clearwire]] to form a company which will take the name "Clear".
* In February 2007, the [[Japanese company]] [[NTT DoCoMo]] tested a 4G communication system prototype with 4×4 [[MIMO]] called [[VSF-OFCDM]] at 100 [[Mbit]]/s while moving, and 1 [[Gbit]]/s while stationary. NTT DoCoMo completed a trial in which they reached a maximum packet transmission rate of approximately 5&nbsp;Gbit/s in the downlink with 12×12 MIMO using a 100&nbsp;MHz frequency bandwidth while moving at 10&nbsp;km/h,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nttdocomo.com/pr/2007/001319.html |date=February 9, 2007 |website=[[NTT DoCoMo]] Press |title=DoCoMo Achieves 5&nbsp;Gbit/s Data Speed |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925084229/http://www.nttdocomo.com/pr/2007/001319.html |archive-date=September 25, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and is planning on releasing the first commercial network in 2010.
* In September 2007, NTT Docomo demonstrated e-UTRA data rates of 200&nbsp;Mbit/s with power consumption below 100&nbsp;mW during the test.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2007/09/14/42179/ntt-docomo-develops-low-power-chip-for-3g-lte-handsets.htm |title=NTT DoCoMo develops low power chip for 3G LTE handsets|last=Reynolds|first=Melanie |work=[[Electronics Weekly]]|date=September 14, 2007 |access-date=April 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927212306/http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2007/09/14/42179/ntt-docomo-develops-low-power-chip-for-3g-lte-handsets.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* In January 2008, a U.S. [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) [[spectrum auction]] for the 700&nbsp;MHz former analog TV frequencies began. As a result, the biggest share of the spectrum went to Verizon Wireless and the next biggest to AT&T.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auctions_sched |title=Auctions Schedule |website=[[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] |access-date=January 8, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124164231/http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auctions_sched |archive-date=January 24, 2008| url-status=live}}</ref> Both of these companies have stated their intention of supporting [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|LTE]].
* In January 2008, EU commissioner [[Viviane Reding]] suggested re-allocation of 500–800&nbsp;MHz spectrum for wireless communication, including WiMAX.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/communications/0,39044192,62021021,00.htm |title=European Commission proposes TV spectrum for WiMax |website=zdnetasia.com |access-date=January 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214014416/http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/communications/0%2C39044192%2C62021021%2C00.htm |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* On 15 February 2008, Skyworks Solutions released a front-end module for e-UTRAN.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-33896688_ITM |title=Skyworks Rolls Out Front-End Module for 3.9G Wireless Applications. (Skyworks Solutions Inc.)|date=February 14, 2008 |work=Wireless News |access-date=September 14, 2008|format=free registration required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/18/cramer-is-skyworks-solutions-depending-on-china.html |title=Wireless News Briefs — February 15, 2008 |date=February 15, 2008 |work=WirelessWeek |access-date=September 14, 2008 |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819132047/http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/18/cramer-is-skyworks-solutions-depending-on-china.html |archive-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-33869434_ITM |title=Skyworks Introduces Industry's First Front-End Module for 3.9G Wireless Applications |date=11 February 2008 |work=Skyworks press release |access-date=September 14, 2008}}</ref>
* In November 2008, [[ITU-R]] established the detailed performance requirements of IMT-Advanced, by issuing a Circular Letter calling for candidate Radio Access Technologies (RATs) for IMT-Advanced.<ref>ITU-R Report M.2134, "Requirements related to technical performance for IMT-Advanced radio interface(s)", November 2008.</ref>
* In April 2008, just after receiving the circular letter, the 3GPP organized a workshop on IMT-Advanced where it was decided that LTE Advanced, an evolution of current LTE standard, will meet or even exceed IMT-Advanced requirements following the ITU-R agenda.
* In April 2008, LG and Nortel demonstrated e-UTRA data rates of 50&nbsp;Mbit/s while travelling at 110&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wireless-watch.com/2008/04/06/nortel-and-lg-electronics-demo-lte-at-ctia-and-with-high-vehicle-speeds/ |title=Nortel and LG Electronics Demo LTE at CTIA and with High Vehicle Speeds :: Wireless-Watch Community |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606063700/http://wireless-watch.com/2008/04/06/nortel-and-lg-electronics-demo-lte-at-ctia-and-with-high-vehicle-speeds/ |archive-date=2008-06-06}}</ref>
* On 12 November 2008, [[High Tech Computer|HTC]] announced the first WiMAX-enabled mobile phone, the [[Max 4G]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Scartel and HTC Launch World's First Integrated GSM/WiMAX Handset |url=http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=76204&lang=1033 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122174257/http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=76204&lang=1033 |archive-date=2008-11-22 |publisher=HTC Corporation |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=March 1, 2011}}</ref>
* On 15 December 2008, [[San Miguel Corporation]], the largest food and beverage conglomerate in southeast Asia, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Telecom QSC ([[Qtel]]) to build wireless broadband and mobile communications projects in the Philippines. The joint-venture formed wi-tribe Philippines, which offers 4G in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sanmiguel.com.ph/Articles.aspx?ID=1&a_id=748 |title=San Miguel and Qatar Telecom Sign MOU |access-date=2009-02-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218064947/http://sanmiguel.com.ph/Articles.aspx?ID=1&a_id=748 |archive-date=February 18, 2009 |df=mdy }} San Miguel Corporation, December 15, 2008</ref> Around the same time [[Globe Telecom]] rolled out the first WiMAX service in the Philippines.
* On 3 March 2009, Lithuania's LRTC announcing the first operational "4G" [[mobile WiMAX]] network in Baltic states.<ref>{{cite press release |title=LRTC to Launch Lithuania's First Mobile WiMAX 4G Internet Service |url=http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/837 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612171853/http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/837 |archive-date=2010-06-12 |publisher=WiMAX Forum |date=3 March 2009 |access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref>
* In December 2009, Sprint began advertising "4G" service in selected cities in the United States, despite average download speeds of only 3–6&nbsp;Mbit/s with peak speeds of 10&nbsp;Mbit/s (not available in all markets).<ref name=sprint4g>{{cite web|url=http://nextelonline.nextel.com/en/stores/popups/4G_coverage_popup.shtml |title=4G Coverage and Speeds |website=[[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] |access-date=November 26, 2010 |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405045344/http://nextelonline.nextel.com/en/stores/popups/4G_coverage_popup.shtml |archive-date=April 5, 2010 }}</ref>
* On 14 December 2009, the first commercial LTE deployment was in the Scandinavian capitals [[Stockholm]] and [[Oslo]] by the Swedish-Finnish network operator [[TeliaSonera]] and its Norwegian brandname [[NetCom (Norway)]]. TeliaSonera branded the network "4G". The modem devices on offer were manufactured by [[Samsung]] (dongle GT-B3710), and the network infrastructure created by [[Huawei]] (in Oslo) and [[Ericsson]] (in Stockholm). TeliaSonera plans to roll out nationwide LTE across Sweden, Norway and Finland.<ref name=Wallstreet>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091214-707449.html|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100114110530/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091214-707449.html|archive-date=2010-01-14 |date=December 14, 2009 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |title=Teliasonera First To Offer 4G Mobile Services |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20121220051323/https://netcom.no/mobiltbredband/4g/4Gengelsk.html NetCom.no] – NetCom 4G (in English)</ref> TeliaSonera used spectral bandwidth of 10&nbsp;MHz, and single-in-single-out, which should provide physical layer [[net bit rate]]s of up to 50&nbsp;Mbit/s downlink and 25&nbsp;Mbit/s in the uplink. Introductory tests showed a [[Transmission Control Protocol|TCP]] [[throughput]] of 42.8&nbsp;Mbit/s downlink and 5.3&nbsp;Mbit/s uplink in Stockholm.<ref name=dailymobile>{{cite web |url=http://dailymobile.se/2009/12/15/teliasonera%C2%B4s-4g-speed-test-looking-good/ |title=TeliaSonera's 4G Speed Test – looking good |work=Daily Mobile |access-date=January 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419115311/http://dailymobile.se/2009/12/15/teliasonera%c2%b4s-4g-speed-test-looking-good/ |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* On 4 June 2010, [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] released the first WiMAX smartphone in the US, the [[HTC Evo 4G]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Shimpi |first=Anand Lal |date=June 28, 2010 |title=The Sprint HTC EVO 4G Review |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/3791/the-sprint-htc-evo-4g-review |access-date=March 19, 2011 |website=[[AnandTech]]}}</ref>
* On November 4, 2010, the [[Samsung]] Craft offered by [[MetroPCS]] is the first commercially available LTE smartphone<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2010/09/samsung-craft-first-lte-handset-launches-on-metropcs/ |title=Samsung Craft first LTE handset, launches on MetroPCS|date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>
* On 6 December 2010, at the ITU World Radiocommunication Seminar 2010, the [[ITU]] stated that [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|LTE]], [[WiMAX]] and similar "evolved 3G technologies" could be considered "4G".<ref name="ITUSeminar">{{cite web |title=ITU World Radiocommunication Seminar highlights future communication technologies |url=http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2010/48.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620090430/http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2010/48.aspx |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=December 23, 2010 |website=International Telecommunication Union}}</ref>
* In 2011, [[Argentina]]'s [[Claro Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay|Claro]] launched a pre-4G HSPA+ network in the country.
* In 2011, [[Thailand]]'s [[True Corporation|Truemove-H]] launched a pre-4G HSPA+ network with nationwide availability.
* On March 17, 2011, the [[HTC Thunderbolt]] offered by Verizon in the U.S. was the second LTE smartphone to be sold commercially.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/03/16/verizon-launches-its-first-lte-handset/ |title=Verizon launches its first LTE handset |website=Telegeography.com |date=March 16, 2011 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206040054/https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/03/16/verizon-launches-its-first-lte-handset/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-ThunderBolt-is-officially-Verizons-first-LTE-handset-come-March-17th_id17455 |title=HTC ThunderBolt is officially Verizon's first LTE handset, come March 17th |website=Phonearena.com |date=2011 |access-date=July 31, 2012}}</ref>
* In February 2012, [[Ericsson]] demonstrated [https://androroot.net/mobdro-tv-latest-version-download/ mobile-TV] over LTE, utilizing the new eMBMS service (enhanced [[MBMS|Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ericsson.com/news/1589080 |title=demonstrates Broadcast Video/TV over LTE |publisher=Ericsson |date=February 27, 2012|access-date=July 31, 2012}}</ref>

Since 2009, the LTE-Standard has strongly evolved over the years, resulting in many deployments by various operators across the globe. For an overview of commercial LTE networks and their respective historic development see: [[List of LTE networks]]. Among the vast range of deployments, many operators are considering the deployment and operation of LTE networks. A compilation of planned LTE deployments can be found at: List of planned LTE networks.

== Disadvantages ==
4G introduces a potential inconvenience for those who travel internationally or wish to switch carriers. In order to make and receive 4G voice calls ([[VoLTE]]), the subscriber handset must not only have a matching [[LTE frequency bands|frequency band]] (and in some cases require [[SIM lock|unlocking]]), it must also have the matching enablement settings for the local carrier and/or country. While a phone purchased from a given carrier can be expected to work with that carrier, making 4G voice calls on another carrier's network (including international roaming) may be impossible without a software update specific to the local carrier and the phone model in question, which may or may not be available (although fallback to 2G/3G for voice calling may still be possible if a 2G/3G network is available with a matching frequency band).<ref name=VOLTE>{{cite web |url=https://www.4g.co.uk/what-is-volte |title=What is VoLTE? |work=4g.co.uk |access-date=May 8, 2019}}</ref>

== Beyond 4G research ==
{{Main|5G}}

A major issue in 4G systems is to make the high bit rates available in a larger portion of the cell, especially to users in an exposed position in between several base stations. In current research, this issue is addressed by [[macro-diversity]] techniques, also known as [[cooperative diversity|group cooperative relay]], and also by Beam-Division Multiple Access (BDMA).<ref>IT R&D program of [[Ministry of Knowledge Economy|MKE]]/IITA: 2008-F-004-01 "5G mobile communication systems based on beam-division multiple access and relays with group cooperation".</ref>

[[Pervasive network]]s are an amorphous and at present entirely hypothetical concept where the user can be simultaneously connected to several wireless access technologies and can seamlessly move between them (See [[vertical handoff]], [[IEEE 802.21]]). These access technologies can be [[Wi-Fi]], [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]], [[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution|EDGE]], or any other future access technology. Included in this concept is also smart-radio (also known as [[cognitive radio]]) technology to efficiently manage spectrum use and transmission power as well as the use of [[Mesh networking|mesh routing]] protocols to create a pervasive network.

== The future of 4G ==
As of 2023, many countries and regions have started the transition from 4G to 5G, the next generation of cellular technology. 5G promises even faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a vast number of devices simultaneously.

4G networks are expected to coexist with 5G networks for several years, providing coverage in areas where 5G is not available.

== Past 4G networks == 
{{About|[[WiMAX]] & [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] network shutdowns|shutdowns of [[Evolved High Speed Packet Access|HSPA+]] ([[UMTS]]) networks that are sometimes labeled as 4G |3G#Phase-out|section=yes}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
! Country
! Network
! Shutdown date
! Standard
! Notes
|-
| {{flag|Canada}}
| [[Xplore Inc.|Xplore Mobile]]
| 2022-08-31
| [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]]
| <ref name="Xplore Mobile CA">{{Cite news |last=Karadeglija |first=Anja |date=2022-07-19 |title=Xplore Mobile shut down is a signal for government to 'stop approving telecom mergers' |language=en |work=National Post |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/xplore-mobile-shut-down-signal-for-government-to-stop-approving-telecom-mergers |access-date=2022-08-15}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Jamaica}}
| [[Digicel]]
| 2018-10-31
| [[WiMAX]]
| <ref name="Digicel JM WiMAX">{{cite web |title=4G Broadband |url=https://www.digicelgroup.com/jm/en/mobile/plans-services/4g-broadband.html |website=Digicel Jamaica |access-date=30 October 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813145400/https://www.digicelgroup.com/jm/en/mobile/plans-services/4g-broadband.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Macau}}
| [[Smartone]]
| 2024-11-11
| [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]]
| Smartone ceased operation in Macau and surrendered its license to government.<ref name="MO Smartone">{{cite web |url=https://www.smartone.com/mo/en/ |title=Important Customer Notice |publisher=Smartone |access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Malaysia}}
| [[YTL Communications|Yes 4G ]]
| 2019-10-01
| [[WiMAX]]
| <ref name="Yes 4G WiMAX">{{cite web |title=Yes Introduces the All-New Unlimited Super Postpaid Plans |url=https://site.yes.my/media-centre/yes-introduces-the-all-new-unlimited-super-postpaid-plans/ |website=Yes.my |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=February 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216145621/https://site.yes.my/media-centre/yes-introduces-the-all-new-unlimited-super-postpaid-plans/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Yes 4G WiMAX shutdown">{{cite web |title=Yes says goodbye to WiMAX |url=https://soyacincau.com/2019/10/01/yes-says-goodbye-to-wimax/ |website=soyacincau |access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Nepal}}
| [[Nepal Telecom]]
| {{fontcolour|red|'''2021-12-??'''}}
| [[WiMAX]]
| <ref name="NTC WiMAX">{{cite web |title=NTC To End WiMAX Broadband Service This Year |url=https://www.nepalitelecom.com/nepal-telecom-ntc-wimax-shutdown |website=Nepali Telecom |date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
| [[Blink bmobile]] <small>([[TSTT]])</small>
| 2015-03-03
| [[WiMAX]]
| <ref name="TSTT WiMAX">{{cite web |title=Blink introduces 4GLTE, kills WIMAX |url=https://technewstt.com/blink-lte/ |website=Tech News TT|date=March 3, 2015 }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | {{flag|United States}}
| [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]]
| 2016-03-31
| [[WiMAX]]
| <ref name="Sprint WiMAX">{{cite web |last1=Seifert |first1=Dan |title=Sprint to finally shut down its WiMAX network late next year |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/10/9/6951101/sprint-shut-down-wimax-network-november-2015 |website=The Verge |date=October 9, 2014 |access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="Sprint WiMAX 2">{{cite web |last1=Kinney |first1=Sean |title=Today is the last day of Sprint WiMAX service |url=https://www.rcrwireless.com/20160331/network-infrastructure/today-last-day-sprint-wimax-service-tag17 |website=RCR Wireless |date=March 31, 2016 |access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]] (Sprint)
| 2022-06-30
| [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]]
| <ref name="T-Mobile Shutdowns">{{cite web |title=T-Mobile Network Evolution |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network-evolution |website=T-Mobile |access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dano |first1=Mike |title=T-Mobile to shutter Sprint's LTE network on June 30, 2022 |url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/t-mobile-to-shutter-sprints-lte-network-on-june-30-2022/d/d-id/771269 |website=Light Reading |access-date=23 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Sprint 4G">{{cite web |title=Sprint reaches the finishing line: legacy LTE networks switched off by T-Mobile |url=https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2022/07/04/sprint-reaches-the-finishing-line-legacy-lte-networks-switched-off-by-t-mobile/ |website=TeleGeography |access-date=2022-07-05 |date=2022-07-04}}</ref>
|-
|}

== See also ==
* [[1G]]
* [[2G]]
* [[3G]]
* [[5G]]
* [[6G]]
* [[4G-LTE filter]]
* [[Comparison of mobile phone standards]] 
* [[Comparison of wireless data standards]] 
* [[Wireless device radiation and health]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://sites.google.com/site/lteencyclopedia/ 3GPP LTE Encyclopedia]
*[https://www.3g4g.co.uk/LteA/LteA_WP_0807_Nomor.pdf Nomor Research: Progress on "LTE Advanced" – the new 4G standard]
* {{Cite conference |url=http://csdl2.computer.org/comp/proceedings/wetice/2001/1269/00/12690060.pdf |conference=10th International Workshops on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises (WET ICE 01) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060106004823/http://csdl2.computer.org/comp/proceedings/wetice/2001/1269/00/12690060.pdf |archive-date=January 6, 2006 |title=Research Directions for Fourth Generation Wireless |author=Woerner |first=Brian |book-title=Proceedings of the 10th International Workshops on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises (WET ICE 01) |location=Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |date=June 20–22, 2001}} (118kb)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121115074637/http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/4g/ Information on 4G mobile services in the UK – Ofcom]
* [http://www.omgroup.edu.in/downloads/files/n57c52e9922d56.pdf The Scope of 4G Technology: A Review] – OM Institute of Technology & Management

{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=[[3G|3rd Generation (3G)]]}}
{{s-ttl |title=[[Mobile telephony|Mobile Telephony Generations]]|years=}}
{{s-aft|after=[[5G|5th Generation (5G)]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Mobile phones}}
{{Mobile telecommunications standards}}

[[Category:Audiovisual introductions in 2007]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2007]]
[[Category:Telecommunications-related introductions in 2007]]
[[Category:Internet of things]]
[[Category:Mobile telecommunications]]
[[Category:Software-defined radio]]
[[Category:Videotelephony]]
[[Category:Wireless communication systems]]