LTE, WiMAX Battle it out to Lead Fourth Generation Technology

As fourth generation wireless high-speed Internet technology continues to advance, the two competing standards that have been left fighting for the lead in the race are Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). The first of these has gained a reputation of having all the potential to be the standard of the future, while the second has become known as the one to turn to if what you want is immediate access to mobile Internet right here, right now. LTE technology boasts broadband speeds that currently blow its competition out of the water. However, LTE networks are lagging in the sense that they have not yet been rolled out everywhere that the competition has. WiMAX, on the other hand, while technically not as fast, is available just about everywhere by now and getting faster all the time.

The number of providers that offer each of these services is growing. This year, multiple providers have already introduced WiMAX coverage to many markets where it previously did not exist. It should be noted that these networks are being launched in a number of smaller cities as well as the big metropolises. And at least twenty more locations are expected to be added to that list in the next few months. The equipment needed for this standard is not particularly complicated. Many smart phones and other electronic devices are already being sold with built-in capabilities. Such devices are becoming so popular that in many stores, they cannot keep up with the demand and quickly sell out, leaving impatient customers to wait anxiously for another shipment to come in. This standard is also compatible with computers. All you need is a USB plug-in modem in order to connect with your laptop or desktop. This modem is compact and portable, allowing for a great deal of mobility on the user’s part (unless they are using a desktop computer).

LTE, while slower than WiMAX to be launched, is catching up as providers across the country scramble to expand their coverage. LTE networks have been used in trials in five markets and are now in their final phase of testing before they can be made widely available. When that happens, they promise to offer services that cannot be beat. The only thing that could stop people from adopting this standard right away is if they have recently started using WiMAX and are satisfied with it or just do not feel like switching again already.

Whatever standard that you prefer, high-speed Internet is bound to change many people’s lifestyles. A parallel can be drawn between the looming prevalence of mobile Internet and the prominence of cell phones as far as voice calls are concerned. Whereas people used to rely on wired home phone lines to make calls, more and more people are giving up these land lines as using cell phones becomes more affordable and convenient. Some experts believe that many people will soon decide to give up their wired Internet connections as well and turn to exclusively wireless connections in order to get online.

For more information on the impact that mobile broadband can have on your life, visit www.Clearwirelessinternet.com.