4G

4G, which is short for fourth generation, is an ITU specification that is currently being developed for broadband mobile capabilities. 4G technologies would enable IP-based voice, data and streaming multimedia at higher speeds, compared to 3G.

This IP-based and packet-switched evolution of 3G technologies (such as WCDMA, HSDPA, CDMA2000 and EVDO) that uses voice communications. A number of technologies considered to be 4G standards include Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and the IEEE 802.16 (WiMax) standard.

Some consider 2008 to be the unofficial start to the 4G era, as Sprint ups efforts to create a nationwide WiMAX network with its $14.5 billion Clearwire joint venture, however with so much attention being given to WiMAX, one misconception out there right now that 4G is WiMAX, and that is not true. There is, in fact, no definition of 4G yet, but there are goals that the ITU is working towards.

4G: Here It Comes, Ready or Not (PDAStreet)

Three major operators in the Indian subcontinent have already begun WiMAX 16e rollouts - Tata Communications and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL), the incumbent, in India, and Wateen Telecom in Pakistan.

Sprint's Xohm Becomes 'Clear', Timetable Shifts (Earthwebnews.com)

The turbulent economy may slow down Sprint's closely watched efforts to create a nationwide WiMAX network.

Who's Ahead in the 4G Race? (Datamation)

In the race to 4G that's heating up between two competing wireless networking standards, it would be foolish to dismiss the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard as the longshot against its better-known rival, WiMAX.