Overall Findings
A 3G network is a high-speed mobile broadband network that uses the third generation of wireless technologies. 3G technology essentially ushered in the era of mobile data, bringing many enhancements over 2.5G and earlier network standards, such as high-speed transmission, advanced multimedia access, and global roaming. A 4G network is a high-speed mobile broadband network that uses the fourth generation of wireless technologies. 4G technology is an improvement over 3G technology, offering speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G service. 4G can do everything 3G can do, only faster. 4G can also handle high-definition mobile TV, videoconferencing, and other data-intensive applications.
Speed: 4G Wins Hands Down
3G networks have speeds of up to 3.1 megabits per second (Mbps) or more, which is similar to cable modem speeds. A 3G network’s speed varies, however, due to factors such as location, network traffic, and signal strength. 4G technology is an improvement over 3G technology, offering speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G service. 4G networks paved the way for widespread mobile internet use, with peak download speeds approaching 50 Mbps. However, the speeds you experience depend on your phone’s technology and your location.
Comparing 3G and 4G Speeds in Megabits per Second
Although theoretical peak speeds don’t often pan out in the real world, due to factors such as latency, below are the speed requirements a provider must abide by to have a connection that falls under the 3G or 4G category. 4G can do everything 3G can do, only faster. 4G can also handle high-definition mobile TV, videoconferencing, and other data-intensive applications. If you watch YouTube videos, stream Spotify, and rely on an extensive array of internet-connected applications daily, 4G is a must.
Availability: 4G Is Almost Everywhere
While the 3G standard is still used in rural locations and acts as a fallback for some wireless providers, it has mostly been replaced by 4G. 4G technology is common throughout the world, but 5G wireless technology is now on the scene, ready to shake things up and make mobile communication faster and more reliable as more devices go online.
Final Verdict
Both 3G and 4G technology connect mobile users to the internet and are huge improvements over earlier-generation network standards. Because it’s a newer technology, 4G offers faster speeds than 3G and allows for more data-intensive online activities. Still, 3G is valuable as a fallback for some wireless providers and is available in rural locations.
