In the fast-paced world of mobile technology, each decade brings with it a new generation of connectivity. From 2G to 3G, 4G, and now the highly anticipated 5G, these advancements have revolutionized how we interact with our devices and opened up a world of possibilities. But as new technologies emerge, the question arises: what happens to the previous generations?
While 5G is grabbing all the headlines, it's important to recognize that 4G LTE still plays a crucial role in mobile connectivity. According to Ericsson's Mobility Report, by the end of 2023, there will be approximately 1.5 billion 5G subscriptions. That's an impressive number, but it still leaves a significant portion of subscribers connected via 4G LTE. In fact, projections indicate that by the end of 2028, 45% of all mobile subscriptions, accounting for 3 billion to 4 billion subscribers, will remain on 4G LTE for the foreseeable future.
Why is 4G LTE still relevant in the age of 5G? The answer lies in the finite nature of spectrum and the need for larger chunks of contiguous spectrum that 5G requires. Carriers must ensure backward compatibility with 4G LTE to keep devices connected in areas where 5G is not yet available. This means that while 5G promises blazing-fast speeds and enhanced connectivity, 4G LTE serves as a reliable fallback for consistent coverage.
Over the years, carriers have invested massive amounts of money into building and maintaining their 4G LTE networks. In fact, reports suggest that by mid-2022, U.S. carriers have achieved an impressive 99% uptime for their 4G LTE subscribers in many markets, compared to just 85% in 2015. However, the focus now shifts from coverage to enhancing capacity as carriers strive to meet the ever-increasing demands of data-hungry users.
To address the challenge of maximizing spectrum utilization and increasing capacity, carriers have several options. For last-mile connections, they can leverage mobile broadband, fixed wireless, or fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) connectivity. While mobile broadband and fixed wireless rely on a robust mobile network, FTTP offers the advantage of not requiring spectrum but faces deployment challenges and expenses.
In outdoor networks, carriers prioritize high-gain signals, clean coverage, and minimal interference. In contrast, indoor scenarios, especially in venues like stadiums and arenas, call for high sectorization to maximize spectrum utilization and deliver high-capacity connectivity. The choice of antennas becomes crucial in ensuring optimal performance.
Traditionally, carriers have relied on panel antennas, which have their limitations. However, a new player in the market, lens antennas, offers a game-changing alternative. Lens antennas provide high gain, clean signals, and better coverage areas without interference. This makes them an attractive option for carriers looking to deliver advanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless connectivity.
As the world continues its transition to 5G, it's essential to remember the integral role that 4G LTE plays in our connected experience. While 5G offers exciting possibilities, 4G LTE remains the reliable backbone of mobile connectivity. Carriers must strike a balance between the two technologies to deliver a seamless and ubiquitous connected experience for users.
In conclusion, the coexistence of 4G LTE and 5G is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of mobile technology. As carriers invest in expanding their networks and optimizing spectrum usage, the future of connectivity looks promising. Whether it's through the consistency of 4G LTE or the transformative capabilities of 5G, the goal remains the same: to ensure that users stay connected anytime, anywhere.
