LTE for dummies

We could lay out all sorts of math, specs, and other numbers, but that wouldn't be the "for dummies" version. It's faster. You don't need to know more than that. If you want more though, better security, lower latency, and simultaneous user support are a few other advantages.

 

I do think people always need to consider the network availability of LTE in their particular area, and not that it is simply faster. In many parts of the US, LTE is far less ubiquitous than 3G.

 

Lower latency, I understand the implications, especially with "chatty" applications.

Faster though, help me understand the impact in terms of what I'd see while using an iPad. What are some examples where LTE's faster speeds would make a noticeable difference vs. 3G? Let's assume I typically see 4 or 5 Mbps on 3G with a 120 ping.

 

Well, faster, lower latency (so great for online gaming), more security (security is an illusion though).

Oh, and it sucks a lot of power so if you want to drain your phone like really quick, than you should buy a LTE phone.

Oh, and the best part? It's very cheap - you can get unlimited plans when you are using a LTE phone for cheap pricing. That is, until we are all used to these LTE networks and can't live without them. At that point, prices will raise with 500% and you get a data limit of 500 MB.

To give you an idea what is going to happen with these LTE networks, we need to look at what they did with the 3G networks. In 2007 and 2008, 3G got more and more popular. In 2009 it got even more popular, and in 2010 the telecom providers realized they could earn a lot of $$$ if they are going to raise the prices.

So in comparison, in 2009, you could get this plan for $39 a month.

- 150 calling minutes
- 150 texting messages
- Unlimited 3G at, at least, 2 Mbps.

Now, in 2012, the plans will be like this.

For $49 a month, you get this.

- 75 'units' (so, for example, 25 minutes calling and 50 text messages)
- 1000 MB data limit
- 14.4 Mbps up, 2 Mbps down over 3G

- So, if you have a 2 year plan, you are paying $240 more. For this you get 75 units (compared to the '300 units' you had with the $39 plan (150 min/150 text)). A data limit of 1 GB, and higher speeds so you reach this limit much faster.

Now, it might be just me, but I'd prefer the $39 plan at any time if that means I get unlimited 3G and more minutes and text messages - even when 3G speeds are only 2 Mbps.

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And that's what is going to happen to LTE.