Have you ever wondered what those letters at the top of your phone mean when using your mobile data to access the internet? Look no further because this article explains exactly what LTE stands for, what it does, and what purpose it serves on your smartphone.
What Does LTE Stand For?
LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. LTE is a standard for wireless data transmission that enables you to browse the internet and access your favorite websites, watch your favorite videos, and download music at a rate that is much faster than previous generations of network technology like 3G. LTE is also often referred to as 4G LTE, but what is the difference?
LTE vs. 4G
LTE, as previously mentioned, is also referred to as 4G, but how do they relate? LTE and 4G could be considered as the same. LTE is simply the technology behind 4G, which is the fourth generation of mobile communications.
LTE On Your Phone Explained
Smartphone apps and features, including maps, weather, and internet browsing, rely heavily on sending and receiving data across a cellular provider’s network. The different mobile networks that are in charge of this include 3G, 4G, and LTE. These are generations of network technology. 3G, the third-generation network, was developed before 4G, and finally, LTE was introduced.
For example, the iPhone 5 was the first iPhone model that supported LTE. Prior to that, the iPhone 4s supported both 4G and 3G, while the iPhone 4 could only run 3G. iPhone 5 and the models that proceeded it are LTE supported.
It’s a similar story between various Android device versions, and you should check with the manufacturer to see if your device supports LTE or, indeed, 5G.
The Maximum Data Speed
Presently, 4G LTE is the most advanced 4G option available. When your smartphone (that supports LTE) connects to 4G LTE, just know that you are receiving the maximum data speed possible with your service provider, giving you access to excellent performance capabilities and download speeds.
The major differences between LTE and 5G may also be considered, even though LTE and 5G are not the same technologies. The fastest 5G networks are expected to become 100 times faster than 4G LTE. To put this into perspective, this speed is fast enough to download a two-hour movie in less than ten seconds.
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