Fastest Wireless

Now that you’ve decided to go wireless internet, the first question that pops up into your mind is what is the fastest wireless internet nowadays? The answer to this question lies on the wireless technology being used.

Development of Wireless Technology

Previously, the only way to get wireless internet access is through visiting Wi-Fi zones. But advancements in wireless technology have paved the way for faster wireless internet access at virtually anywhere. Let us take a peek at the wireless technology used today to access the internet wire-free.

  • 3G network
    The acronym for third generation of cellular telecommunications, 3G makes it possible to browse the web straight from your mobile phone as well as stream videos and watch television. For the past years, wireless broadband has used the 3G network to deliver high speed internet access on laptops, desktops and other devices.
  • 4G network
    This is the innovation of 3G and therefore called 4G or fourth generation. What is 4G capable of giving? As the new technology in wireless telecommunication, it delivers faster speeds and downloads. It provides speed as much as four times faster compared to its predecessors. It is projected to provide speeds of up to 1Gbit for stationary connections and 10Mbit for wireless connections.
  • LTE
    LTE stands for Long Term Evolution which is a technology under 4G networks. LTE is anticipated to provide the fastest wireless and most comprehensive internet connection. This is the newest technology used in wireless internet access and is still developing. So expect more from LTE in the upcoming years.
  • WiMAX
    This refers to Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access often associated with Wi-Fi. However, WiMAX is way different and even better than Wi-Fi. WiMAX has longer network range up to city-wide coverage while Wi-Fi network is only limited to a few hundred feet. What’s more, WiMAX delivers faster speeds compared Wi-Fi.

WiMAX or LTE?

Which is the fastest wireless network? Bear in mind that WiMAX and LTE use the same network, 4G. However, the main difference between the two is speed. LTE is the newest technology and capable of providing faster speeds compared to WiMAX, but are probably more expensive. Nonetheless, 4G network has not reached its fullness and there is still a lot of room for improvement. Therefore, we can expect more from LTE and WiMAX for the coming years.

Wireless Technologies used by Wireless Carriers in the U.S

  • AT&T
    AT&T uses the upgraded 3G HSPA network HSPA+ delivering 4G speeds and they are rapidly expanding their coverage in major metropolitan areas. Besides, AT&T has revealed their future plans of upgrading their HSPA+ network into LTE network.
  • Verizon
    They are using the LTE network for their 4G service which is projected to get lightning-fast speed in the near future once it reaches full 4G speeds. As of this moment, Verizon’s 4G LTE is available in 45 metropolitan areas and use their comprehensive 3G coverage when 4G network is unavailable.
  • Sprint
    Sprint uses WiMAX technology from CLEAR for their 4G service capable of providing broadband speeds while on the move and is available in 82 metropolitan areas.
  • CLEAR
    They are behind the development of WiMAX technology and provide 4G service to 82 cities in America.

LTE might be the fastest wireless technology today but it may not cover your area yet. So you it is best to go for one that has strong coverage in your area.