4G (Fourth generation)

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In telephony, 4G is the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. It is a successor to 3G and 2G families of standards. A 4G system is expected to provide a comprehensive and secure all-IP based solution where facilities such as ultra-broadband (giga-bit speed such as 100+ MiB/s) Internet access, IP telephony, gaming services, and streamed multimedia may be provided to users.

 

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In 2008, ITU-R specified the IMT-Advanced (International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced) requirements for 4G systems. In these requirements, 4G candidates need to adhere to Peak data rates of up to approximately 100 Mbit/s for high mobility such as mobile access and up to approximately 1 Gbit/s for low mobility such as nomadic/local wireless access.

Current LTE and WiMAX implementations are considered pre-4G, as they don't fully comply with the planned requirements of 1 Gbit/s for stationary reception and 100 Mbit/s for mobile.

Local Debate

In South Africa, network provider, Cell C, was challenged by Vodacom regarding the former's marketing campaign revolving around a 4G offering. According to the ITU specifications, the offering from Cell C was not in-line with requirements, and as such, the ASA ruled against the use of such marketing in the South African market.

Despite this localized ruling, international network providers have proceeded to market their LTE networks, and subsequent services, as 4G services - with local companies divisive on the matter.