Kim Komando – “On target and in-depth, Kim’s Columns provide you with what you need to know to buy smart; keep safe and stay informed.“

We think Kim Komando is just the right advice resource for the average person who uses twenty-first century technologies. Here are Kim’s observations on 4G:

“If you’re confused about 4G, welcome to the fastest-growing club! AT&T claims to have the nation’s largest 4G network. Verizon touts America’s fastest 4G LTE network with ‘a higher standard of coverage.’ The advertising war is on.

“AT&T recently befuddled millions of iPhone 4S customers. After upgrading to iOS 5.1, users discovered that the 3G network indicator next to the signal bar had mysteriously changed to 4G. Many thought, ‘Lucky me!’ Not so fast.

“Since the carriers and gadget makers won’t call the whole thing off, it’s time to take a fresh look at the state of 4G.

“The term 4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless technology. It all began in the 1980s with those 1G analog wonders that were the size – and weight – of a brick. Late, digital networks allowed users of 2G cellular phones to send text and email. 3G networks, of course, ushered in the age of smartphones and data.

“With 4G technology, the distinction between voice and data goes away. It essentially turns a cellular phone into a Voice-over-IP system. That means faster, clearer communication.

“How fast? The International Telecommunication Union defines 4G as the ability to download data at speeds of 100 megabits per second to 1 gigabit per second. The 1Gbps standard is for home and low-mobility situations, such as someone walking around with a phone. The 100Mbps standard is the theoretical maximum download speed that a user traveling in a car or train would experience.”

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