| nsumers feel price-gouged, they get frustrated | | | | has optimal spectral efficiency. Unlike 3G — |
| — and when they get frustrated, they | | | | which has been clogging up, thanks to 200 million |
| fight back. You’ve no doubt heard | | | | users too many — 4G uses its bandwidth |
| someone you know complain about the price of | | | | more efficiently. Radio waves are sent between |
| their cable service. Cable users just don’t | | | | towers in your city’s mega-hotspot. |
| feel like they’re getting their | | | | Whether you want to take care of business in a |
| money’s worth and many have begun to | | | | taxi, download an iTunes album quickly, or upload |
| search for better alternatives. | | | | pictures to a photo-sharing site, 4G gives you the |
| Some cable users have dropped their service | | | | speed you need to get heavy work done on the |
| plans completely. In many metro areas, 4G has | | | | run. |
| arrived. This fourth generation of wireless Internet | | | | The only disappointment is that many consumers |
| offers broadband speeds and portability — | | | | are not yet able to access this wireless service |
| it is four to five times faster than its 3G | | | | because it hasn’t arrived to their city. But |
| predecessor. | | | | fear not — the technology is being rolled |
| What can you do with 4G and how can it replace | | | | out in more cities every month. By the end of |
| cable? This new wireless Internet service allows | | | | 2010, 120 million people will be covered by WiMAX. |
| users to stream videos and download large files. | | | | WiMAX can penetrate walls and vegetation, so |
| With a download rate of 4 to 6 Mbps — | | | | the service has a long arm. Because it’s |
| and bursts of 10 Mbps — 4G allows you to | | | | wireless, consumers don’t have to wait for |
| download movies from Netflix from wherever | | | | cables to be run. It’s ideal for anyone who |
| you’re at in the coverage area. Even if | | | | moves often. Many laptops now offer WiMAX |
| you want to watch a movie in your car, | | | | chips and are ready to go; otherwise users simply |
| it’s not a problem. If you want to watch | | | | slide a pocket-sized USB dongle into their laptop or |
| your favorite TV show through Hulu, the same is | | | | other handheld device. It’s a no-hassle, |
| true — you can stream shows and get | | | | painless installation process. |
| broadband speeds with this wireless technology, | | | | It’s also possible to get 4G without |
| even if you’re at the park. | | | | committing to a long-term contract, which is |
| Some users like 4G because they can video chat, | | | | important in a down economy. While contracts do |
| watch live sports, or play online Xbox and | | | | offer better deals, many people are gun-shy |
| Playstation games no matter where | | | | about committing to something new. Consumers |
| they’re at. You’re not constrained | | | | don’t want to be trapped like they were |
| by your location. Your coverage zone extends for | | | | with cable and want to experience the tech first. |
| miles and miles. Using 4G’s WiMAX | | | | For being a new technology, this fourth-gen |
| technology, you enjoy a secure frequency that | | | | service is surprisingly reasonable. |