You might remember Apple claiming that its newest iPad was 4G-enabled – which means it can catch fourth generation mobile broadband signals (considered to be much quicker).
This caused a fair amount of confusion as Ofcom is yet to auction the spectrum necessary for mobile operators to roll out 4G services. This means that 4G is simply not yet available in the UK.
The US has rolled out 4G services some time ago, however these are based on another frequency. Meanwhile UK operators are only trialling the next-gen mobile broadband services and will be able to deploy the services only after the auction ends (i.e. end of next year).
Because of this in the UK, those who are keen on getting the newest tablet will be to read that the device “connects to the internet over Wi-Fi and fast mobile data networks”.
Meanwhile in Australia, Apple changed its spec from 4G to “Wi-Fi + Cellular” as consumers were simply confused about what 4G really meant.
Apple has not spoken about these changes as yet. Broadbandwatcher is fairly certain that the term 4G is still in its infancy in the UK and the change (though not very useful for some) could serve as an explanation as to what connection (mobile and wireless broadband) it was capable of.
