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AR15.COM
12/22/2010 2:14:46 PM EDT
Can someone please explain to me in plain english what the difference is in generations (3G, 4G...etc)?  If you have a 3G or 2G phone, for example, will it still work on a 4G network?  Nevermind the apparent awesomeness of this product for a moment, I'm just trying to figure out if it will be compatible and with what provider.

http://www.phenomwatchphone.com/specialops-black-phenom-watch-phone-p/spec-bla01.htm
12/22/2010 2:25:22 PM EDT
[#1]
"4G" doesn't exist yet... it's just marketing speak for slightly faster 3G technology running in the 2100mhz band.  At least on Verizon/CDMA, it's generally:





800mhz - 1xRTT phone calls


1900mhz - EVDO data


2100mhz - "4G" fast 3G

 
12/22/2010 7:31:30 PM EDT
[#2]
The different "generations" are different radio protocols.  Typically these change to allow greater efficiency, higher data speeds, higher user density, or other improvements.  Sometimes these are overlays onto the existing radio systems, sometimes they use different bands.

Almost always, phones which have greater than "2G" capability also have 2G, as there are many 2G networks still in place around the country and will be for the foreseeable future.