Has anyone seen the recent advertisements made by global wireless service providers such as Verizon and T-Mobile claiming to produce a product capable of 4G speeds? If you haven’t, these advertisements are out there, and very misleading for adamant consumers of the newest technology.
This topic caught my attention and interest via the following article entitled “4G is a myth (and a confusing mess)”:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/12/01/technology/4g_myth/index.htm
Prior to reading this article, I never thought much of the validity of these advertisements multiple global wireless service providers are streaming via media. I made the assumption that providers are competing with each other to have the fastest wireless networks, in order to stay relevant in the technological realm of people’s lives. I also assumed that it must be true on the basis that once one manufacturer comes out with a product, many other manufacturers produce what is basically a clone of the original product. This thought process led me to believe that one popular service provider had attained the goal of reaching 4G speeds within their wireless network, and the secret of how to replicate this service was somehow leaked into the entire field of top global wireless service suppliers.
After reading this article, I realized that my assumptions were wrong. According to the International Telecommunication Union, the definition of 4G is that of a network capable of download speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps). The article listed above states that 100 Mbps is a speed fast enough to download the average HD movie in a total of three minutes. If you think that sounds unreal in comparison to so the wireless service you have now, and the service they are claiming to provide, you’re correct! According to the definition of 4G, no global wireless service providers have reached 4G speeds, nor will they in the near future. The actual speeds these providers say they will reach are merely a tenth of “real” 4G.
Having said that, the new and improved global wireless networks these carriers are coming out with are definitely just that—new and improved. This is not to put down the progress they are making in the technological world; this is to bring attention to the misuse of the term 4G and the marketing effect it may have on consumers. In my opinion, the use of this term certainly promotes business, but also heightens the potential of complaint and accusations of false advertising.
How do you think the loosely used term 4G affects consumers’ perceptions and the choices they make concerning global wireless service? Do you think the myth of 4G is affecting carriers’ reputations? What suggestions would you make concerning the marketing of the real speeds providers are attaining? Please express your opinions on the topic, concerning importance, lack of importance, etc.
