

The three flavors of 4G

What is WiMax?


WiMax stands for “Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.” It is an ITU-approved, fourth-generation mobile broadband technology that attempts to mimic the abilities of Wi-Fi wireless Internet, but over a mobile phone network using an open protocol (802.16m). Think of it as a patchwork of Wi-Fi hotspots that, instead of reaching for a few hundred feet, can stretch for miles and overlap, eliminating coverage gaps. It provides fixed and mobile Internet access for compatible devices with less interference than traditional Wi-Fi. Theoretically, a WiMax tower could provide broadband wireless Internet over a 30-mile range, though most stations currently achieve much less. Current WiMax users can realistically expect about 3Mbps to 6Mbps download speeds.

If you’ve heard of WiMax, it’s probably due to Sprint, which is working with Clearwire to develop an extensive WiMax network. It is currently available in select cities. More on this in our Sprint section later on.

What is LTE?


LTE stands for “Long Term Evolution,” and is an ITU-approved 4G mobile broadband technology. It is a direct competitor to WiMax. LTE is more of a successor to current mobile 3G standards than WiMax. However, instead of transmitting data using microwaves, LTE uses radio waves. Theoretically it can attain speeds up to 100Mbps, though real-world speeds on Verizon’s network are around 6Mbps to 12Mbps. LTE was developed as a long-term alternative to DSL, cable, and other wired forms of Internet.

The two largest carriers in the United States, AT&T and Verizon, are both investing in LTE networks, though Verizon has already launched its network. MetroPCS is also working on a LTE network.

What’s the difference between LTE and WiMax?


However, LTE and WiMax aren’t enemies like CDMA and GSM have been. Both technologies use OFDM (Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing), which means that unlike competing 3G networks like CDMA and GSM, WiMax and LTE are more like siblings. They aren’t entirely incompatible. Hopefully, it will be easier and cheaper to design devices that incorporate both technologies.


Okay, then what is HSPA+?



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