Every major carrier is touting their 4G coverage but very little about what technology is being used is mentioned in public.

The truth is “4G” has no real definition and it’s being used to describe 3 different technologies right now. The technologies currently being used are Wimax on Sprint, HSPA+ on AT&T and T-Mobile and LTE on Verizon.

Here is a detailed look at the various 4G networks to help you decide which is right for you.

Sprint = Wimax

Sprint was the first US carrier to offer 4G and the technology it’s using is Wimax. Wimax offered theoretical speeds much faster than EV-DO, Sprints 3G technology and even delivered on that promise at first.

The one major drawback to Wimax is that it has a hard time handling network congestion. After the hugely successful launch of the EVO 4G followed shortly there after by the Epic, the speeds in more congested regions plummeted. On average, users went from getting 4-5 MBPs to .8-1 MBPs down. Those are still great speeds, and those on a phone probably wouldn’t even notice the difference.

As far as devices that utilize 4G, Sprint currently has 4 phones, a USB modem and a Wifi hot spot. Sprint has a pretty expansive 4G network covering most major cities. If you frequent cities than 4G is probably a good choice.

T-Mobile = HSPA+

T-Mobile’s claimed 4G network is actually a 3G technology that’s much faster than the 3G speeds we’re used to in the states.

HSPA+ is the 3G network used in Europe and provides theoretical speeds of 10MBps – only slightly less than Wimax. Real world performance differs greatly by the area, but on average are about 5MBps down. That’s pretty good on a phone and is also a good speed for tethering. T-Mobile also has the largest “4G” network of any carrier so far, so if you travel they might be an excellent choice.

T-Mobile currently has 5 phones that make use of “4G”,  a USB modem and a wifi hotspot.

Verizon = LTE

Verizon’s 4G network is using the fastest technology available, LTE. LTE allows for mind-blowing speeds of 21mbs down in real world use.

The major down side to Verizon 4G is availability. LTE is only available in a few cities and while they are actively rolling out new areas all the time the coverage just isn’t there yet. If you live in a city that already has LTE than Verizon is by far the fastest 4G available and the best option.

Currently Verizon has 3 4G phones, a USB modem and a wifi hotspot.

AT&T = HSPA+ Now,  LTE In The Future

AT&T is in the most unique position of the 4 major carriers. While they have HSPA+ working in a few markets, they intend to invest future infrastructure into LTE.

There isn’t any doubt that LTE is the better technology, so in the long term that’s a very good thing. In the short term, however, it leads to a spotty current “4G” network and some “4G” devices that will no longer work when AT&T switches over. Because of that I’d avoid AT&T as a 4G provider until their LTE goes live.

Currently AT&T has 3 HSPA+ phones and no LTE phones.

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer at First in Education where recently she’s written on journalism programs along with a piece on financial examiner careers. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, playing piano, and working with origami.

Like what you read?

If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below: