Editing 4G (section)

== History of 4G and pre-4G technologies ==
In 1991, [[WiLAN]] founders Hatim Zaghloul and Michel Fattouche invented [[wideband]] [[orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing]] (WOFDM), the basis for wideband [[wireless communication]] applications,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hassanien |first=Aboul Ella |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zx9LDQAAQBAJ&pg=PR14 |title=Proceedings of the International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems and Informatics 2016 |last2=Shaalan |first2=Khaled |last3=Gaber |first3=Tarek |last4=Azar |first4=Ahmad Taher |last5=Tolba |first5=M. F. |date=2016-10-20 |publisher=[[Springer Science+Business Media|Springer]] |isbn=978-3-319-48308-5 |pages=xiv |language=en}}</ref> including 4G mobile communications.<ref name="ergen">{{cite book |author=Ergen |first=Mustafa |title=Mobile Broadband: including WiMAX and LTE |publisher=Springer Science+Business Media |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-387-68189-4 |doi=10.1007/978-0-387-68192-4}}</ref>[[File:Cellular network standards and generation timeline.svg|thumb|upright=1.4|Cellular network standards and generation timeline.]]
The 4G system was originally envisioned by the [[DARPA]], the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} DARPA selected the distributed architecture and end-to-end Internet protocol (IP), and believed at an early stage in peer-to-peer networking in which every mobile device would be both a transceiver and a router for other devices in the network, eliminating the spoke-and-hub weakness of 2G and 3G cellular systems.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Zheng |first1=P |title=Wireless Networking Complete |last2=Peterson |first2=L |last3=Davie |first3=B |last4=Farrel |first4=A |publisher=Morgan Kaufmann |year=2009 |isbn=9780123785701}}</ref>{{Rp|needed=yes|date=October 2012}} Since the 2.5G GPRS system, cellular systems have provided dual infrastructures: packet switched nodes for data services, and circuit switched nodes for voice calls. In 4G systems, the circuit-switched infrastructure is abandoned and only a [[packet-switched network]] is provided, while 2.5G and 3G systems require both packet-switched and circuit-switched [[network node]]s, i.e. two infrastructures in parallel. This means that in 4G traditional voice calls are replaced by IP telephony.

* In 2002, the strategic vision for 4G—which [[ITU]] designated as [[IMT Advanced]]—was laid out.
* In 2004, [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] was first proposed by [[NTT DoCoMo]] of Japan.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alabaster |first=Jay |date=20 August 2012 |title=Japan's NTT DoCoMo signs up 1 million LTE users in a month, hits 5 million total |url=http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/082012-japan39s-ntt-docomo-signs-up-261759.html |newspaper=Network World |publisher=IDG |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203010826/http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/082012-japan39s-ntt-docomo-signs-up-261759.html |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* In 2005, [[OFDMA]] transmission technology is chosen as candidate for the [[HSOPA]] downlink, later renamed 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) air interface [[E-UTRA]].
* In November 2005, [[KT (telecommunication company)|KT Corporation]] demonstrated mobile WiMAX service in [[Busan]], [[South Korea]].<ref name="kt demo">{{cite web|title=KT Launches Commercial WiBro Services in South Korea |url=http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/831 |website=[[WiMAX#WiMAX Forum|WiMAX Forum]] |date=November 15, 2005 |access-date=June 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529182700/http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/831 |archive-date=May 29, 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* In April 2006, [[KT Corporation]] started the world's first commercial mobile WiMAX service in Seoul, [[South Korea]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INFORMATIONANDCOMMUNICATIONANDTECHNOLOGIES/Resources/D2S3P1-HansukKim.ppt |title=KT's Experience In Development Projects|date=March 2011}}</ref>
* In mid-2006, [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] announced that it would invest about US$5 billion in a [[WiMAX]] technology buildout over the next few years<ref name=sprint>{{cite web |title=4G Mobile Broadband|url =http://www2.sprint.com/mr/cda_pkDetail.do?id=1260 |publisher=Sprint |access-date=March 12, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222022426/http://www2.sprint.com/mr/cda_pkDetail.do?id=1260| archive-date=February 22, 2008}}</ref> (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|5000000000|2006}}}} in [[Real versus nominal value (economics)|real]] terms{{Inflation-fn|US}}). Since that time Sprint has faced many setbacks that have resulted in steep quarterly losses. On 7 May 2008, [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]], [[Imagine Communications|Imagine]], [[Google]], [[Intel]], [[Comcast]], [[Bright House Networks|Bright House]], and [[Time Warner]] announced a pooling of an average of 120&nbsp;MHz of spectrum; Sprint merged its [[Xohm]] WiMAX division with [[Clearwire]] to form a company which will take the name "Clear".
* In February 2007, the [[Japanese company]] [[NTT DoCoMo]] tested a 4G communication system prototype with 4×4 [[MIMO]] called [[VSF-OFCDM]] at 100 [[Mbit]]/s while moving, and 1 [[Gbit]]/s while stationary. NTT DoCoMo completed a trial in which they reached a maximum packet transmission rate of approximately 5&nbsp;Gbit/s in the downlink with 12×12 MIMO using a 100&nbsp;MHz frequency bandwidth while moving at 10&nbsp;km/h,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nttdocomo.com/pr/2007/001319.html |date=February 9, 2007 |website=[[NTT DoCoMo]] Press |title=DoCoMo Achieves 5&nbsp;Gbit/s Data Speed |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925084229/http://www.nttdocomo.com/pr/2007/001319.html |archive-date=September 25, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and is planning on releasing the first commercial network in 2010.
* In September 2007, NTT Docomo demonstrated e-UTRA data rates of 200&nbsp;Mbit/s with power consumption below 100&nbsp;mW during the test.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2007/09/14/42179/ntt-docomo-develops-low-power-chip-for-3g-lte-handsets.htm |title=NTT DoCoMo develops low power chip for 3G LTE handsets|last=Reynolds|first=Melanie |work=[[Electronics Weekly]]|date=September 14, 2007 |access-date=April 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927212306/http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2007/09/14/42179/ntt-docomo-develops-low-power-chip-for-3g-lte-handsets.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* In January 2008, a U.S. [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) [[spectrum auction]] for the 700&nbsp;MHz former analog TV frequencies began. As a result, the biggest share of the spectrum went to Verizon Wireless and the next biggest to AT&T.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auctions_sched |title=Auctions Schedule |website=[[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] |access-date=January 8, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124164231/http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auctions_sched |archive-date=January 24, 2008| url-status=live}}</ref> Both of these companies have stated their intention of supporting [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|LTE]].
* In January 2008, EU commissioner [[Viviane Reding]] suggested re-allocation of 500–800&nbsp;MHz spectrum for wireless communication, including WiMAX.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/communications/0,39044192,62021021,00.htm |title=European Commission proposes TV spectrum for WiMax |website=zdnetasia.com |access-date=January 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214014416/http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/communications/0%2C39044192%2C62021021%2C00.htm |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* On 15 February 2008, Skyworks Solutions released a front-end module for e-UTRAN.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-33896688_ITM |title=Skyworks Rolls Out Front-End Module for 3.9G Wireless Applications. (Skyworks Solutions Inc.)|date=February 14, 2008 |work=Wireless News |access-date=September 14, 2008|format=free registration required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/18/cramer-is-skyworks-solutions-depending-on-china.html |title=Wireless News Briefs — February 15, 2008 |date=February 15, 2008 |work=WirelessWeek |access-date=September 14, 2008 |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819132047/http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/18/cramer-is-skyworks-solutions-depending-on-china.html |archive-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-33869434_ITM |title=Skyworks Introduces Industry's First Front-End Module for 3.9G Wireless Applications |date=11 February 2008 |work=Skyworks press release |access-date=September 14, 2008}}</ref>
* In November 2008, [[ITU-R]] established the detailed performance requirements of IMT-Advanced, by issuing a Circular Letter calling for candidate Radio Access Technologies (RATs) for IMT-Advanced.<ref>ITU-R Report M.2134, "Requirements related to technical performance for IMT-Advanced radio interface(s)", November 2008.</ref>
* In April 2008, just after receiving the circular letter, the 3GPP organized a workshop on IMT-Advanced where it was decided that LTE Advanced, an evolution of current LTE standard, will meet or even exceed IMT-Advanced requirements following the ITU-R agenda.
* In April 2008, LG and Nortel demonstrated e-UTRA data rates of 50&nbsp;Mbit/s while travelling at 110&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wireless-watch.com/2008/04/06/nortel-and-lg-electronics-demo-lte-at-ctia-and-with-high-vehicle-speeds/ |title=Nortel and LG Electronics Demo LTE at CTIA and with High Vehicle Speeds :: Wireless-Watch Community |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606063700/http://wireless-watch.com/2008/04/06/nortel-and-lg-electronics-demo-lte-at-ctia-and-with-high-vehicle-speeds/ |archive-date=2008-06-06}}</ref>
* On 12 November 2008, [[High Tech Computer|HTC]] announced the first WiMAX-enabled mobile phone, the [[Max 4G]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Scartel and HTC Launch World's First Integrated GSM/WiMAX Handset |url=http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=76204&lang=1033 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122174257/http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=76204&lang=1033 |archive-date=2008-11-22 |publisher=HTC Corporation |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=March 1, 2011}}</ref>
* On 15 December 2008, [[San Miguel Corporation]], the largest food and beverage conglomerate in southeast Asia, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Telecom QSC ([[Qtel]]) to build wireless broadband and mobile communications projects in the Philippines. The joint-venture formed wi-tribe Philippines, which offers 4G in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sanmiguel.com.ph/Articles.aspx?ID=1&a_id=748 |title=San Miguel and Qatar Telecom Sign MOU |access-date=2009-02-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218064947/http://sanmiguel.com.ph/Articles.aspx?ID=1&a_id=748 |archive-date=February 18, 2009 |df=mdy }} San Miguel Corporation, December 15, 2008</ref> Around the same time [[Globe Telecom]] rolled out the first WiMAX service in the Philippines.
* On 3 March 2009, Lithuania's LRTC announcing the first operational "4G" [[mobile WiMAX]] network in Baltic states.<ref>{{cite press release |title=LRTC to Launch Lithuania's First Mobile WiMAX 4G Internet Service |url=http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/837 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612171853/http://www.wimaxforum.org/news/837 |archive-date=2010-06-12 |publisher=WiMAX Forum |date=3 March 2009 |access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref>
* In December 2009, Sprint began advertising "4G" service in selected cities in the United States, despite average download speeds of only 3–6&nbsp;Mbit/s with peak speeds of 10&nbsp;Mbit/s (not available in all markets).<ref name=sprint4g>{{cite web|url=http://nextelonline.nextel.com/en/stores/popups/4G_coverage_popup.shtml |title=4G Coverage and Speeds |website=[[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] |access-date=November 26, 2010 |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405045344/http://nextelonline.nextel.com/en/stores/popups/4G_coverage_popup.shtml |archive-date=April 5, 2010 }}</ref>
* On 14 December 2009, the first commercial LTE deployment was in the Scandinavian capitals [[Stockholm]] and [[Oslo]] by the Swedish-Finnish network operator [[TeliaSonera]] and its Norwegian brandname [[NetCom (Norway)]]. TeliaSonera branded the network "4G". The modem devices on offer were manufactured by [[Samsung]] (dongle GT-B3710), and the network infrastructure created by [[Huawei]] (in Oslo) and [[Ericsson]] (in Stockholm). TeliaSonera plans to roll out nationwide LTE across Sweden, Norway and Finland.<ref name=Wallstreet>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091214-707449.html|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100114110530/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091214-707449.html|archive-date=2010-01-14 |date=December 14, 2009 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |title=Teliasonera First To Offer 4G Mobile Services |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20121220051323/https://netcom.no/mobiltbredband/4g/4Gengelsk.html NetCom.no] – NetCom 4G (in English)</ref> TeliaSonera used spectral bandwidth of 10&nbsp;MHz, and single-in-single-out, which should provide physical layer [[net bit rate]]s of up to 50&nbsp;Mbit/s downlink and 25&nbsp;Mbit/s in the uplink. Introductory tests showed a [[Transmission Control Protocol|TCP]] [[throughput]] of 42.8&nbsp;Mbit/s downlink and 5.3&nbsp;Mbit/s uplink in Stockholm.<ref name=dailymobile>{{cite web |url=http://dailymobile.se/2009/12/15/teliasonera%C2%B4s-4g-speed-test-looking-good/ |title=TeliaSonera's 4G Speed Test – looking good |work=Daily Mobile |access-date=January 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419115311/http://dailymobile.se/2009/12/15/teliasonera%c2%b4s-4g-speed-test-looking-good/ |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* On 4 June 2010, [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] released the first WiMAX smartphone in the US, the [[HTC Evo 4G]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Shimpi |first=Anand Lal |date=June 28, 2010 |title=The Sprint HTC EVO 4G Review |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/3791/the-sprint-htc-evo-4g-review |access-date=March 19, 2011 |website=[[AnandTech]]}}</ref>
* On November 4, 2010, the [[Samsung]] Craft offered by [[MetroPCS]] is the first commercially available LTE smartphone<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2010/09/samsung-craft-first-lte-handset-launches-on-metropcs/ |title=Samsung Craft first LTE handset, launches on MetroPCS|date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>
* On 6 December 2010, at the ITU World Radiocommunication Seminar 2010, the [[ITU]] stated that [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|LTE]], [[WiMAX]] and similar "evolved 3G technologies" could be considered "4G".<ref name="ITUSeminar">{{cite web |title=ITU World Radiocommunication Seminar highlights future communication technologies |url=http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2010/48.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620090430/http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2010/48.aspx |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=December 23, 2010 |website=International Telecommunication Union}}</ref>
* In 2011, [[Argentina]]'s [[Claro Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay|Claro]] launched a pre-4G HSPA+ network in the country.
* In 2011, [[Thailand]]'s [[True Corporation|Truemove-H]] launched a pre-4G HSPA+ network with nationwide availability.
* On March 17, 2011, the [[HTC Thunderbolt]] offered by Verizon in the U.S. was the second LTE smartphone to be sold commercially.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/03/16/verizon-launches-its-first-lte-handset/ |title=Verizon launches its first LTE handset |website=Telegeography.com |date=March 16, 2011 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206040054/https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/03/16/verizon-launches-its-first-lte-handset/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-ThunderBolt-is-officially-Verizons-first-LTE-handset-come-March-17th_id17455 |title=HTC ThunderBolt is officially Verizon's first LTE handset, come March 17th |website=Phonearena.com |date=2011 |access-date=July 31, 2012}}</ref>
* In February 2012, [[Ericsson]] demonstrated [https://androroot.net/mobdro-tv-latest-version-download/ mobile-TV] over LTE, utilizing the new eMBMS service (enhanced [[MBMS|Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ericsson.com/news/1589080 |title=demonstrates Broadcast Video/TV over LTE |publisher=Ericsson |date=February 27, 2012|access-date=July 31, 2012}}</ref>

Since 2009, the LTE-Standard has strongly evolved over the years, resulting in many deployments by various operators across the globe. For an overview of commercial LTE networks and their respective historic development see: [[List of LTE networks]]. Among the vast range of deployments, many operators are considering the deployment and operation of LTE networks. A compilation of planned LTE deployments can be found at: List of planned LTE networks.