LTE Technology
LTE, or long term evolution, is a type of mobile broadband that rivals WiMAX. Both services are IP-based and use a technology called orthogonal frequency-division multiplxing (OFDM) access. They also use a type of wireless technology that lets people get high-speed Internet across coverage areas that span miles. LTE is not currently available across the U.S. but AT&T plans to launch the service in the coming months and has said it should be available nationwide by 2013.
LTE vs. WiMAX
While LTE and WiMAX use essentially the same technology, there are some key differentiators between the two mobile Internet services. One of the biggest differences is speed. LTE technology claims to deliver download speeds up to 100 Mbps. However, most users will likely experience speeds of 10-30Mbps. WiMAX speeds typically come in at around 12 Mbps. CLEAR Internet, the company that first deployed WiMAX technology, has started testing LTE in some of its markets to see how the two services work together and if one delivers customers a better experience than the other.
LTE
Service Providers: Verizon, AT&T and Samsung
Availability: The commercial launch of LTE is expected from Verizon by the end of 2010 or early 2011.Initially, coverage areas will be limited but a nationwide rollout should quickly begin in 2011.
WiMAX 4G
Service Providers: Sprint 4G, CLEAR, Comcast and Time Warner Cable
Availability: WiMAX is currently available in nearly every state and the coverage area is expanding every day. Coverage areas are mapped out by city and major markets include New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Chicago.
The Future of LTE
As the commercial launch of LTE approaches, questions about availability and LTE carriers are sure to arise. According to technology website, IntoMobile.com, 80 percent of carriers across the globe are expected to use LTE technology. AT&T, Verizon and Samsung are already on board to offer the service. WiMAX is currently available with Sprint, CLEAR, Comcast and Time Warner Cable.
Unlike Wi-Fi, which limits users to coverage areas of about 150 feet (think coffee shops and bookstores), LTE coverage areas are the size of entire cities. The service will allow customers to surf the Internet at broadband speeds at home, in a car or anywhere else they go in covered cities.
