What Is 4G?

Consumers are confused about the meaning of 4G. Mobile carriers are touting the advantages - and availability of - 4G, but consumers are slow to get the message. 4G refers to the 4th generation of digital mobile technology. Without going under the hood for involved technical specs, 4G allows much higher data downloads. The 4G standards specify <http://tinyurl.com/6en769r> peak speeds of 100 Mbits while moving at high speed (in car) and 1 Gbit while walking or standing still.

Nielsen conducted a survey <http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-what-is-4g-2011-1> earlier this year that showed that consumers don’t know what 4G means. When asked if they understood what 4G is, 42% answered yes. But in digging further, only about half of that number really understood the benefit. More importantly, when asked if they intended to buy a 4G device, only 29% answered yes.