This article explains what 4G is and how it works
What is 4G?
Known as 4th generation or Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4G is a high-speed mobile data connection for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It provides almost instantaneous web page loading, faster photo viewing on Facebook and streaming media experiences without the wait.
If you're a business customer it means smooth, higher quality video conferencing, seamless connection to the cloud, and no delays when using hosted applications. 4G launched in February 2013 and continues to be rolled out across all of New Zealand.
What speed can 4G achieve?
We deployed 20Mhz (MIMO) upgrades to part of its 4G network allowing maximum download speeds of 150Mbit/s (CAT4).
Most 4G capable phones are can support a maximum download speed of 100Mbit/s (CAT3).
CAT4 devices are capable of up to 150Mbit/s download.
4G can deliver speeds of up to 300Mbps, using Carrier Aggregation (LTE A), and 4.5G is even faster than that.
What is 4G extended?
4G Extended is a mobile frequency of 700MHz that is better at travelling long distances such as in rural locations, and penetrating walls and buildings.
So if your device supports this frequency then it can use 4G Extended.
Check if your device supports 700MHz
- Select your device type i.e. phone
- Select your manufacturer
- Select your device
- From the left-hand menu, select Specifications
Check your 4G Extended network coverage
What happens if you go out of 4G coverage?
Your mobile will continue to work if there is no 3G or 4G coverage. The device will switch seamlessly to the next available network. With a capable device and plan, our 2G, 3G, Dual Carrier and 4G mobile networks work seamlessly with each other.