In today’s world, we rely on seamless connectivity for everyday tasks, whether streaming videos, making video calls, or accessing the cloud.
4G LTE powers much of this connectivity. But what exactly is 4G LTE, and how does it fit into Australia’s mobile infrastructure?
In this article, we’ll explain the essentials of 4G LTE, compare it with 5G, and explore its relevance for home internet and the possibility of it being phased out in the future.
What is 4G LTE?
4G LTE stands for “Fourth Generation Long-Term Evolution” and represents the fourth iteration of mobile communication standards. It’s a significant leap from its predecessor, 3G, offering faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced latency.
LTE is technically a standard that delivers true 4G speeds, which are necessary to support data-heavy tasks like HD video streaming, mobile gaming, and seamless browsing.
In essence, 4G LTE enables users to experience faster internet speeds on mobile devices, allowing applications to function more efficiently and providing a better overall user experience.
4G Australian Infrastructure
Australia has developed a strong 4G infrastructure, with networks like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offering comprehensive 4G LTE coverage across the country.
4G networks boast extensive reach, particularly in metropolitan areas, and dominate as the primary form of mobile connectivity.
While rural areas experience slower speeds compared to urban regions, Australia’s 4G networks remain robust, delivering essential services to residents in remote locations.
Telstra continues to lead in expanding coverage into regional areas, with its 4G network now reaching 99.5% of the Australian population.
4G VS 5G Speed Comparison
The introduction of 5G has sparked discussions about the future of 4G LTE. While 5G promises faster speeds, lower latency, and greater device connectivity, 4G LTE remains reliable and more widely available.
You can use our speed comparison tool, to truly understand the difference between the networks over the decades.
Network Speed Comparison
Here’s a quick speed comparison:
- 4G LTE: Average download speeds range between 20-100 Mbps, with peak speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps in ideal conditions.
- 5G: Capable of delivering speeds between 100 Mbps and 10 Gbps, 5G can be up to 100 times faster than 4G, depending on the infrastructure and network environment.
While 5G is faster, 4G is still sufficient for most everyday mobile activities like streaming, browsing, and using social media, making it the current standard for mobile connectivity.
Will 4G Ever Be Phased Out?
As 5G rolls out, many wonder if 4G will be phased out. The short answer: not anytime soon. While carriers rapidly deploy 5G, 4G will continue to coexist with it for many years.
With the 3G Closure, which has been in the process for now over a year, 4G will now be more relied upon across Australia.
Mobile providers in Australia have made significant investments in 4G infrastructure, and many devices still rely on 4G networks.
In the short to medium term, 4G will continue to serve as the backbone of mobile connectivity, particularly in regions where 5G rollout is slower.
Furthermore, many devices, especially those on the lower end of the price spectrum, will continue to support 4G for a long time.
Is 4G Suitable For Home Internet?
Although people traditionally associate 4G with mobile devices, it also serves as a viable option for home internet, especially in areas where traditional broadband or NBN services offer limited or slow connectivity.
Many in regional and remote areas of Australia choose 4G home internet plans due to inconsistent NBN coverage.
For smaller households, 4G LTE delivers adequate speeds for streaming, browsing, and video calls.
However, those with higher data demands or larger households will likely find fixed-line broadband or 5G home internet solutions more suitable.
Starlink has also emerged as a strong contender in regional Australia. We highly recommend opting for 5G or satellite solutions over 4G for home internet whenever possible.
Conclusion
4G LTE delivers powerful and reliable mobile connectivity, especially in Australia, where it’s firmly established.
Even though 5G represents the future, 4G continues to serve millions of users, providing solid speeds and reliable performance for most tasks.
Right now, 4G remains essential for everyday mobile and home internet use, and it’s here to stay—coexisting with 5G for years to come.
