GUIDE: What is 4G? How do i get it?

ZhugeEX

Bingolingo wrote: »

Watch something on iplayer/netfilx - happens instantly
Download an app - I wait longer for the phone to install it than the time it takes to download it.
Facetime - crystal clear and no sync issues (unless the other side has them.
Tethering my tablet - browse the web faster than at home on my wi-fi.

Anything data intensive: it makes a difference.

I see what you're saying. But what phone did you have before?

Because with DC-HSPA+ handsets the above applies just as much. Although iPlayer starting instantly has to do more with the ping and not the download speed. DC-HSPA+ has a very similar ping to LTE and similar speeds. Tbh you don't need more than 3mbps if you plan on watching HD Video so current day 3G speeds are more than enough.

Like mentioned above the only advantage i can see is business use, or for when there is a poor 3G signal. The prices at the moment don't really warrant the average consumer buying a 4G tariff when a DC-HSPA+ tariff would be just fine. Especially since you can get unlimited data on 3G without paying a premium.

Tethering is a nice plus but again the data limits and price aren't exactly appealing for anyone who will use tethering regularly.

4G is a great technology but none of the networks have given a killer application or price point for it. I guess Three are the only ones who've got a type of selling point with their standard pricing for 4G. And to be honest it makes sense that 4G should be priced the same because there aren't many perks or advantages. Only when 4G becomes more widespread and VoLTE is launched would i ever consider paying a slight premium for it.

Bingolingo

ZhugeEX wrote: »

I see what you're saying. But what phone did you have before?

Because with DC-HSPA+ handsets the above applies just as much. Although iPlayer starting instantly has to do more with the ping and not the download speed. DC-HSPA+ has a very similar ping to LTE and similar speeds. Tbh you don't need more than 3mbps if you plan on watching HD Video so current day 3G speeds are more than enough.

Like mentioned above the only advantage i can see is business use, or for when there is a poor 3G signal. The prices at the moment don't really warrant the average consumer buying a 4G tariff when a DC-HSPA+ tariff would be just fine. Especially since you can get unlimited data on 3G without paying a premium.

Tethering is a nice plus but again the data limits and price aren't exactly appealing for anyone who will use tethering regularly.

4G is a great technology but none of the networks have given a killer application or price point for it. I guess Three are the only ones who've got a type of selling point with their standard pricing for 4G. And to be honest it makes sense that 4G should be priced the same because there aren't many perks or advantages. Only when 4G becomes more widespread and VoLTE is launched would i ever consider paying a slight premium for it.

Well, it works for me.

padington

I'm bored with the whole 4G wait and tempted by a virgin offer of unlimited everything including 0845 and 0800 numbers for £24 on 3G. It's not like I watch movies at work any way and have cracking broadband wifi speeds at home - which is the only time i really need fast speeds anyway.

I reckon it's possible the mobile companies have messed up with this long wait for a fair price and many customers like me may chose to skip this 4G gravy train and the whole thing ends up costing the mobile providers a fortune and to help pay for it as all the new 4G users continue to pay through the nose like they are doing right now.

my bottom line is that there is no way I'm paying for 4G on a capped data contract for twice the price of a good 3G contract, that's a mugs game.

In just the same way I wouldn't get a bigger gas guzzling car that costs twice as much to buy.

Give me an extra summer holiday every year instead thank you very much.

andreww22

4G is the term used to refer to the next wave of high-speed mobile technologies that will be used to replace current 3G networks.

mehera

I personally do not jump onto the latest technological bandwagon unless I know it is tried and tested and will deliver what it promises!

3g was pretty pathetic when it was first launched and now look at it!!!

ZhugeEX

Vodafone have announced they will be launching their 4G network BEFORE September 26th.

According to previous reports you will have to pay for a bolt on to access the 4G network.

Vodafone are introducing speed caps on 3G tariffs for all existing/new customers in an effort to get them to pay extra for faster 4G. A bit of a anti consumer strategy if you ask me. And i'm sure some people will fall for it.

ZhugeEX

O2 have announced their 4G network will be launching in London, Leeds and Bradford on August 29th 2013.

They aim to have a further 10 cities 4G enabled by the end of the year.

Prices will start from £26pm and you'll be able to upgrade to these 4G tariffs if you have a 4G ready phone (provided it's a higher cost)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23521211

giggsy1978

How come iphone 5 isn't compatible with voda but is compatible with EE ??

Surely it's a 4g phone on a 4g network ??

Are vodafone deliberately doing this to make more money from us ?

ZhugeEX

giggsy1978 wrote: »

How come iphone 5 isn't compatible with voda but is compatible with EE ??

Surely it's a 4g phone on a 4g network ??

Are vodafone deliberately doing this to make more money from us ?

It's purely down to the hardware. In the UK each network uses a certain frequency to transmit a 4G signal. The iPhone 5 only supports one frequency (1800Mhz)

Think of 4G in the UK like a motorway. Vodafone uses lane 1 and 3 for their 4G network, O2 use Lane 1, Three use Lane 1 and 2 and EE use all 3 lanes.

The iPhone 5 only works on lane 2 frequency and so won't work on Vodafone or O2 because they don't have access to this frequency. The iPhone 5 doesn't support the other two frequencies/lanes due to the fact it came out last year before the UK had 4G.

All new 4G phones in the UK should work on all networks and frequencies.

I will be updating the OP before the end of the month to include Vodafone and O2's offerings and i'll update the general writing about 4G to suggest who it's for and if it's worth it.

ZhugeEX

Guide updated and 90% complete.

Now reflects O2, Voda and Three plans.