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4G, LTE, and 5G demystified

You’ve probably heard terms like 4G, LTE, and 5G thrown around. This page provides some definitions that are relevant for interpreting coverage maps, selecting hardware, and otherwise setting up high-speed rural Internet access.

4G LTE (Long Term Evolution)

“4G LTE” is a marketing phrase first used to imply that a network was 4G, even if it didn’t meet 4G’s technical requirements. This still happens in 2020, but the definition has since broadened so that a “4G LTE” network can now technically be 3G or 4G. As a result of these broad and shifting definitions, there’s not a universal rule for which type of coverage, as shown on a map, is faster.

There are multiple LTE variants. Here are two of the most commonly referenced ones:

  • LTE-Advanced is a type of LTE that is also 4G

  • LTE-Advanced Pro is a type of LTE that’s also 4G, though it’s faster than LTE-Advanced. LTE-Advanced Pro has been called a stepping stone to 5G.

Extended 4G

Extended 4G is 4G running over a low frequency. Lower frequencies are better at penetrating obstacles, but can also have lower data transmission rates than higher frequencies.

4G

To be considered 4G, a network must support peak download speeds of at least 100Mbps. This is not the same as saying that end-users must get 100Mbps service. A weak signal, network congestion, or other issues can reduce the speed to below 100Mbps.

5GE (5G Evolution)

5GE is AT&T’s misleading rebranding of LTE-Advanced. Put another way, 5GE is 4G, not 5G.

5G

There are three 5G variants:

  • Low-band - this is the version of 5G that’s most likely to be accessible to rural residents. It operates at similar frequencies to 4G, so its range and performance characteristics are also similar.
  • Mid-band - this operates at a higher frequency range than 4G, so it has both less range and more bandwidth.
  • Millimeter band - this operates at the highest frequency of the 5G variants, so it has the most limited range, and the most bandwidth if you’re within range.

Legacy technologies

You might also see references to the following terms when reviewing coverage maps or products. Each of these is considered a legacy technology. Some are already phased out of some markets, and others are on their way out. For example, Verizon phased out some of them on January 1, 2020. These are typically faster than dial-up, but slower than cable or DSL:

  • 2G - provides a maximum speed of 40Kbps.
  • 1X, 1xRTT, and 2.5G - provides a maximum speed of 144Kbps.
  • 3G - this covers a wide range in speeds from less than 1Mbps to up to 42Mbps downloads and 20Mbps uploads for HSPA+.
  • Non-LTE - 3G or older technology.

Other resources

This site and the carrier maps sometimes use the terms “band” and “frequency.” You don’t have to understand those terms until you get to the hardware selection phase. Still, if you’re curious, then the hardware selection page’s Bands and Frequencies section describes each term and how it relates to Internet access

If you’d like another perspective on these terms, then the following resources are recommended:

  • Wilson Amplifiers has an article on the differences between 4G, 5G, and LTE.
  • The 3GPP Project, which sets some of the relevant standards, provides a useful summary of the differences between 3G, 4G, and other technologies on their About 3GPP page.

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