So it looks like 4G mobile network deployment has actually become a serious matter for the mobile carriers.

What exactly is 4G? Will there be 4G for Oakland? Should we care? Well, I know my editors do as I have been lagging on getting this piece done. I mean lagging so bad that now Congress has even gotten involved … with 4G that is.

What 4G is depends on who you ask. In the mainstream world, it refers to a fourth generation of mobile network technology, which includes IP - Internet Protocol - based packet transfer of data - Internet Protocol, what we currently use in our laptops, etc. - and what probably catches most people’s eye. It holds max data rates  of up to 1Gbit/second  for non-mobile devices and 100Mbits/second for highly mobile devices. For those really curious, go check out the International Telecommunications Union’s IMT-Advanced “specification” for a somewhat detailed “definition” of what 4G should be. Extra credit for those who notice and understand that there is no discussion at all of network latency - as important as speed.

All of the above having been said, there has  been “4G” network coverage in Oakland for some time from carriers like Metro PCS, Verizon and T-mobile (after the merger it will be AT&T),  but it has only been the last few months when a selection of handsets compatible with 4G networks has been available. As of this writing, I can’t give you a definitive percentage-of-coverage figure for Oakland, but then in the upcoming months, who knows.

Is “4G” important to Oakland ? Well, if you are about to sign on with a provider AND purchase a new phone this is your chance to upgrade. The “4G” coverage in Oakland also continues to validate our “tech cred,” though in reality, I am not convinced there are enough devices out there “4G” capable to drive all of this.

BTW recent cable industry conferences have begin touting new faster speeds with existing modems and no significant changes. There’s a reason for this. That industry is worried (or at least should be). Sometime in the not-too-distant future it should be possible to get current (or better) cable modem speeds through true 4G networks assuming the carriers catch the clue and evolve their speeds. Imagine, cable modem speeds on a mobile device. Sort of turns the tables on the cable providers doesn’t it. We’ll see …

All in all, right now, I’d probably recommend sitting tight and waiting until this time next year before making that move to a “4G.” Who knows, between now and then maybe the bill being pushed my Congress person Anna Eschoo forcing carriers into defining what they actually mean when they say 4G will drive some reality consumers can use in what has been so far, a lot of hype ... even for hi-tech.