If WiMAX = 4G, is LTE = 4.5G? Verizon Reporting Impressive LTE Real-life Wireless Data Performance

Based on informal comments, real-life WiMAX (4G) wireless data speeds appear comparable to the low-end of wired DSL and cable modem service in the U.S. (a few megabits per second downstream and a megabit or two upstream). This is good for wireless data compared to current 3G service. But, it is not spectacularly better.

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile plan to rollout a 4G wireless data network based on the LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless data specification. According to Electronista, Verizon expects to see much better performance than seen with WiMAX.

Verizon: 4G gets 12Mbps average, 50Mbps peak in real world

So, if WiMAX is a 4G technology that provides what roughly amounts to twice the downstream speed seen with 3G, is LTE 4.5G?

You can learn more about Verizon’s LTE plans here:

Verizon Wireless LTE Information Center

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