What does LTE mean?

Look at the top-right corner of your phone. If you’re connected to 4G at the time, you’ll likely see the tiny letters “LTE” written on your screen. Short for “Long Term Evolution,” LTE is a standard for wireless data transmission that allows you to do everything from downloading music to reading Ultra-helpful wireless articles, like this one! Today, we’re taking a look under the hood to find out what exactly makes LTE tick. 

What does LTE mean on my phone?

When you see “LTE” on your screen, it means your phone is connected to an LTE network. Provided by your cellphone carrier, think of this network as the super highway that rapidly transports mobile data directly to your devices. Just how rapid? 4G LTE network speeds have clocked in downloading a webpage in 1 second, in some instances and an entire e-book in just 7 seconds, in some instances. So the next time you see that 3-letter display, remember that you’re behind the wheel of a powerful data-transmitting machine. 

How does LTE work?

The complex technology behind LTE was created to meet a basic goal: make load times faster. To Ultra-simplify things, the schematics behind LTE describe a process of breaking apart large chunks of data into smaller, more transmissible bits, and then reassembling them at a destination (your phone). That means that LTE is extremely versatile, supporting mobile data, voice (VoLTE), instant messaging and video over a single interface.

LTE vs. other High-Speed Wireless Networks

LTE is only one evolution in a long history of network architecture. The first generation of mobile tech was launched in the 1980s. This “1G” allowed us to make and receive calls on large, chunky mobile phones. Then the 90’s brought us 2G, which supported text message capabilities on slightly-smaller mobile phones. Then the introduction of 3G in the early 2000’s finally brought the internet to our fingertips, and the 2010’s birthed 4G and LTE which continue to provide the low-latency speeds we rely on today. Now let’s compare how LTE stacks up against these previous generations and beyond.

LTE vs. 4G

It’s important to know that 4G is not the same as LTE. We often see the terms combined into “4G LTE” because LTE technology was developed to be used in tandem with 4G networks. True 4G, aptly named “4G LTE,” offers faster speeds than LTE alone. However, both deliver the high-speed needed to get the most out of data plans. 

LTE vs. 3G

Think of LTE as the bridge between 3G and 4G. LTE was developed to replace 3G, and many networks are working towards sunsetting their networks entirely. 3G struggles to handle the uses we expect out of our networks in today’s world. 3G download speeds may take minutes where LTE finishes 5-10 times faster. 

LTE vs. 5G

5G is the newest standard. Released in 2019, 5G is rolling out worldwide. When fully integrated, 5G networks will offer speeds up to 10Gbps, a blazing 10 times faster than 4G LTE’s 1Gbps. This emerging technology will dramatically improve how we connect to loved ones anywhere in the world – and 5G is free on every Ultra plan.

LTE vs. Wi-Fi

The difference between LTE and Wi-Fi is the way they connect you online. There is little to no difference in speeds; but when using Wi-Fi, you need a wireless router to access the internet from your device. LTE doesn’t require a router, allowing you to connect to your cellular service provider’s network wherever you have coverage.  

Advantages of LTE

LTE was a massive step forward in mobile wireless with huge advantages. Below are just a few examples of LTE:

• Quicker download speeds: LTE provides much faster download and upload speeds than previous mobile technologies like 3G. Typical download speeds range from 20 to 50 Mbps.

• Faster web browsing: Getting to the sites and things you want takes way less time than it used to.  

• High-quality video streaming: Watching videos is a much more clear and enhanced experience than ever before. Lower picture quality and buffering have quickly become a thing of the past.  

And now, with 5G networks rolling out across the nation, our capacity to connect to our world is only getting stronger! Speaking of 5G networks, Ultra Mobile is powered by the T-Mobile 5G network, and you can explore our 5G coverage map here. 

Get Ultra-Connected

Mobile data networks have forever changed how we connect to one another. And we at Ultra Mobile understand that connection should come without compromise. That’s why we support all 4G LTE and 5G compatible devices on the nation’s largest 5G network. 

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