Proposed Legislation Would Mandate Clearer 4G Definition
Jun 22, 2011, 12:24 PM by Eric M. Zeman
Representative Anna Eshoo of California has proposed a new bill that would require wireless network operators to more clearly define what 4G means and exactly what customers will receive through that carrier's 4G services. The Next Generation Wireless Disclosure Act would require the wireless network operators to provide detailed information regarding the technology used for the 4G service, what speeds should be expected, how reliable the service should be, where it is available, and how much it costs. The bill also suggests that carriers provide consumers with a side-by-side comparison of the top 10 competing networks' prices, speeds, and availability. The bill proposes that the Federal Communications Commission define a baseline speed that service must surpass to qualify as 4G. The wireless network operators would then be beholden to provide that minimum speed in order to brand their services as 4G. "Consumers deserve to know exactly what they're getting for their money when they sign-up for a 4G data plan," said Eshoo in a statement. "We need to enhance transparency and ensure consumers are fully informed before they commit to a long-term service contract." Eshoo is the lead member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Comments
What needs to happen...
You know- the way land line internet has been advertising for 10 years...
There needs to be an apples to apples scale out there for the average idiot consumer to read off of. Labeling al these different technologies 4G is a joke.
Corporations and the government think we lowly peons are too stupid to understand what mega bits and mega bytes are.
J/K
Maybe you are right.... Lte = 4g but until it works more than 25% or becomes stable I will gladly rock my tmo 4g. Half the price double the speed works for me.
Maybe ...
(continues)
4G = 100Mbps or higher.
Name ONE LTE network that is capable of that.
The whole moniker "4G" is broken. It needs to die and give way to a scalable network definition.