Telesite USA

The Battle for 4G: LTE vs. WiMax

June 28, 2010 – 9:31 am

With the prospect of 4G networks looming on the horizon, we are all left wondering what technology will be used to back this new system. It appears that the fight has come down to Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMax. There are many similarities between these two technologies because both utilize OFDM, which is a way of dividing up available spectrum to ensure more flexibility than is present in 3G systems. LTE was created and trademarked by the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), while the aptly named WiMax was created by the WiMax Forum. Some suggest WiMax is an unusual innovative approach to 4G, whereas LTE follows a natural succession. But, perhaps the most relevant difference right now is that WiMax is already available. It is only being used in a few cities around the country, but the timetable for widespread use is much sooner than that of LTE. However, LTE is seeing greater adoption rates by the nation’s top mobile carriers.Verizon and AT&T both announced they will use LTE technology to create their 4G infrastructure. Conversely, Sprint-Nextel is sticking with its commitment to using WiMax. The new Sprint EVo phone is the first mobile phone with 4G. Additionally, Sprint is already providing 4G wireless coverage in select cities around the nation. 4G mobile WiMax gives you the ability to basically create your own wireless hotspot, without the concern of losing connection or spotty coverage. You can also utilize date, telecommunication and IPTV services at the same time.The next few years will mark the transition over to 4G, and which technology will reign is still to be determined.