The wireless revolution is fully underway in the U.S. (as well as in many other parts of the world). Just a few short years ago, “high-speed” Internet was considered a 5 to 20Mbps (megabits per second) connection delivered through an expensive wired cable infrastructure. That was the first time that a high-definition video could be reliably streamed on a non-commercial Internet connection, and it completely and permanently changed the nature of the Internet. Today, cable providers are offering residential connections many times those speeds, and the 5 to 20Mbps connections that once required an expensive cable connection are now flying through the air in a significant portion of the country.

According to Verizon Wireless — which currently stands as the largest cellular provider of 4G LTE in the U.S. — their 4G LTE coverage encompasses about 98 percent of the U.S. population, while covering a substantial geographic portion of the country as well. This means that essentially every population center in the U.S. has access to a wireless high-speed Internet connection available anytime.

4G LTE connects us like never before, and provides a wealth of opportunities for individuals, companies and, more importantly, emergency service personnel.

Is there really a difference between 4G LTE and 3G?

In a word: yes. 4G LTE represents a substantial technological improvement over the last generation cellular data technology that is collectively known as “3G.”

3G is actually a blanket term that covers two different types of cellular technology: CDMA and GSM. CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is the 3G technology used by Verizon Wireless and Sprint, while GSM (Global System for Mobiles) is the technology used by AT&T and T-Mobile.

3G was first released in the U.S. in 2003, and Internet speeds ranged from around 144 to 400Kbps (kilobits per second). However, innovations in 3G eventually allowed for 3G Internet speeds that went as high as 4Mbps — however, more often than not speeds were significantly lower than 4Mbps.

With 4G LTE, speeds still vary wildly. In general though, 4G LTE will be significantly faster than any 3G technology on the market. According to CNET, the average download speed on AT&T (the fastest 4G LTE provider in the U.S.) is about 40.5Mbps. Verizon Wireless (which is the largest, but not the fastest, wireless carrier in the U.S.) has an average download speed of 32.94Mbps. Verizon Wireless and AT&T represent the vast majority of the 4G LTE market in the U.S., and each display a dramatic increase in Internet speeds over their 3G predecessors.

Of course, speed isn’t the only difference between 3G and 4G LTE. Latency is also significantly reduced, which means the amount of time between requesting or transmitting information and receiving a response is much faster. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, 4G LTE represents an international standard. This means that 4G LTE devices have the capability of working across any network in the U.S. and, at least technically, anywhere in the world. This is a vast improvement from 3G, where just the CDMA/GSM divide alone caused compatibility problems for years.

Upcoming advancements in 4G LTE technology

4G LTE is still an emerging technology, with new features being released and in development. Chief among these developments are Digital Signal Processing and IP-based network architecture — both significantly improve network reliability and reduce transfer latency.

How 4G LTE helps first responders do their job better

There is no question that 4G LTE offers robust wireless-network architecture. The question is how do these technological innovations benefit first responders on the front lines of their communities?

Faster and larger data transfers

The most significant benefit of 4G LTE is the ability to receive large amounts of up-to-the-minute information about a developing situation. In scenarios in which every second can mean the difference between life and death, the ability to transfer maps and other files is crucial.

More efficient and reliable communication network

Unlike radios (which can have a limiting range) and older generation networks (which can have latency and connection issues) 4G LTE gives the men and women on the front lines access to a network that works when they need it most.

Ultimately, 4G LTE is a revolutionary technology, and the benefits it provides to first responders and civilians alike are just getting started.

By Chris Surdenik, CEO of Chicago-based company Call One.