What Exactly Is '4G'?

First and foremost, there is no "iPhone 4G." This is a misnomer created by people who don't know what's what. Whatever Apple decides to call the next version of the iPhone, it most likely won't be the 4G -- for several reasons. The iPhone 3G was called the 3G because it added 3G to what was previously a 2.5G device. T

he likelihood of Apple adding a 4G radio to support 4G networks that aren't even available yet is slim to none. And while the 2010 iPhone will be the fourth version of the iPhone, I believe Apple is smart enough to avoid the 4G label. So what, then, is 4G?

Simply put, 4G is what comes after 3G. Today's wireless broadband networks are powered by 3G - short for third-generation -- technology. In the U.S., that means HSDPA/UMTS and CMDA EVDO radio technologies. These are currently used by AT&T/T-Mobile and Sprint/Verizon, respectively. The 3G standard was devised by the 3GPP2 organization. The same and other standards bodies are working to finalize what 4G -- or fourth generation -- wireless networks will include. The standard has not been finalized.

Let me repeat that: The standard has not been finalized. Without a finalized standard, technically speaking, 4G hasn't been defined and doesn't exist. Any company claiming to offer 4G products and/or services is not telling the entire truth (hell, it might even be misleading consumers).

Fourth generation wireless networks are to be IP-based, and must meet the IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) Advanced criteria.

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