Should I upgrade to 4G on my mobile phone?
Q: Even though 4G networks for mobile phones have been around for several years I am still unsure about what advantages they can offer me. Why should I upgrade?
A: 4G stands for ‘fourth generation’, which is the most recent form of mobile telecoms technology.
The first thing to understand, however, is that calls over a 4G network will not be improved as voice has to be converted to a digital format.
Secondly, this new service is designed to handle data faster – usually five times faster – than 3G, but it needs the local mobile network to support it.
So if you do not use your mobile for web browsing, downloading, video etc there may be little reason to upgrade.
4G can in ideal situations be as much as ten times faster than 3G and the people who really appreciate upgrading are those that want improved video and music streaming or need to do many things previously requiring the power of a PC.
Web pages are also less prone to timing out and they have enhanced security.
However, before you splash out on an expensive new phone check that the coverage in your area supports 4G.
Go to this web site to check your local coverage: https://goo.gl/Brnk1M These new networks cover a far greater area than 3G and are more reliable, so for these reasons alone it might be worth upgrading. However, if you live in a rural area do not be surprised if 4G is not available.
It may come as no surprise that the industry is already working on 5G, which could become available as soon as 2020.
The future of the industry will be much more about transformational technology that will mainly impact on industries rather than domestic users.
One of the main beneficiaries of this will be companies developing automated cars that need a large amount of real time data to perform safely.
