The International Telecommunications Union, otherwise known as the ITU, has decided that it is a good idea to change the definition of the 4G standard. The timing of such an announcement is particularly dubious as recent controversy over phone companies’ marketing techniques has escalated. Even not-so-tech-savvy consumers have proclaimed outrage over T-Mobile’s labeling of their HSPA+ technology as “4G.” Until now, those outraged have been justified; HSPA+ was considered a short way off the 4G qualification standard. These days, however, the standards have slacked. HSPA+, among other technologies, has been deemed 4G by the ITU.
It seems almost unfair for the ITU to make a decision this drastic so late in the game. Many companies could have benefitted from this adjustment a long time ago. For instance, companies like Verizon would not have needed to invest money in new infrastructure that would be compatible with LTE technology. Verizon could have just stuck it out by updating their already strong CDMA technology.
The previous 4G standard classification was widely accepted in the telecommunications sector. The speed required for the 4G stamp of approval was a substantial peak rate for mobile users exceeding 100 Mbps and an astounding 1 Gbps for stationary users. Nowadays, however, the ITU does not even find it necessary to create a speed regulation. Paltry speed rates can be considered “4G” so long as the company provides “a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third-generation systems now deployed,” as featured on RCR Wireless.
Most interestingly enough, though, is that the ITU has made no mention of this on their official website. Looking for a source on the website reveals that no press release has been featured online. What does this mean? Is this a four month early April Fools joke from an unsolicited news source? Or, perhaps the ITU is ashamed? One should hope that they are. If the only thing that they want is “a substantial level of improvement” from 3G, the door is wide open for various failing carriers to promote their better versions of garbage services to the public and label it “4G.” The possibilities are endless at this point. Over time, we shall see how this plays out.
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