3G vs 4G: Why is 4G a superior technology?

The 3G vs. 4G question seems quite obvious as there is an entire generation gap between these two telecommunication technologies. Moreover, in India, it is not just generation that divides 3G and 4G apart, but even more factors. Let us take a look into the technical and economical aspects of 3G and 4G in India.

A Little History About 3G

3G is an old technology, which evolved over the years, and entered very late into India. The first 3G networks in the world were introduced in as early as 2001. Earlier versions of 3G like W-CDMA (UMTS) offered speeds of upto 384 Kbps. 3G networks were not widely implemented before 2005 as existing 2G network could be easily upgraded to 2.75G EDGE network, which offered speed of upto 236 Kbps. While the rest of the world started moving to 3G networks starting 2005, the first 3G network in India was deployed by BSNL in 2009. By this time 3G technology had evolved a lot and 3.5G HSPA networks started offering speeds of upto to 3.5Mbps, which were rolled out by BSNL and MTNL. In late 2010, Tata DoCoMo rolled out its 3.75G HSPA network, offering speeds of upto 21.1Mbps, and this was soon followed by other operators.

The Generation Gap Of 4G

The most promising technology of this decade, 4G LTE, was first deployed in 2007. The generation gap with 3G makes 4G much more advanced, and it is able to offer several times higher speed than existing 3G networks. 4G LTE networks around the world offer typical speed of 100Mbps, while LTE Advance (LTE-A) networks that offer speeds of upto 300Mbps have been deployed around the world. When it comes in India, operators will offer 4G LTE with max speeds of upto 48Mbps. The network can be upgraded to higher speeds if required in future.

Also read: 4G in India: 2016 is going to be the year of 4G

Default Network Speeds

Even though operators claim that they offer 21.1 Mbps speeds on their 3G networks, 7.2 Mbps BTS is deployed in most location, while 21.1 Mbps and 14.4 Mbps speeds are offered only in city limits. It is also worth noting that existing 3G networks can be upgraded to 42.2 Mbps HSPA+ networks easily, matching with current 4G speeds. When it comes to 4G, it is expected that almost all 4G BTS will provide default speed of upto 48 Mbps.

More Spectrum = More Capacity

3G networks are typically deployed in India over the 2100 MHz spectrum band. The problem with this high-frequency spectrum band is its low coverage. Operators are trying to solve this problem by deploying 3G over more efficient 900 MHz band, but both bands are very limited in supply in India, and operators have just 5 MHz paired frequency in each band. This causes the 3G network to run out of capacity as soon more users get connected, which leads to network congestion and speed drops. There is also an artificial scarcity of spectrum in 2100 MHz band that is primarily due to defence department holding a significant portion of it, which is yet to be fully released.

When it comes to 4G, 20 MHz unpaired frequency in 2300 MHz band is allocated to the operators. Moreover, telecom operators in India have bagged additional 5 MHz paired frequency in 1800 Mhz to solve the coverage issue faced in the 2300 MHz band. Combining both these bands will give 4G operators like Airtel and Reliance Jio 20 to 30 MHz of spectrum in each circle for deploying 4G services. This is two to three times more than what 3G operators have, and incidentally this will result in two to three times more capacity. Also, 4G can be deployed on 850 MHz CDMA spectrum used in India, which is more efficient in terms of coverage than 900 MHz 2G/3G spectrum.

Device Ecosystem

Initially, 3G didn’t pick up pace in India due to high cost of devices and higher-priced 3G data packs. Cost of devices fell rapidly after the entry of smartphones, which comes default with 3G support. Now, 3G has superiority in device ecosystem, which is soon set to change as almost all the latest smartphones support 4G LTE.

Also read: How is 4G Mobile Network Technology different from 3G Technology?

4G Tariffs To Be Cheaper Than 3G Tariffs

It is a general outlook that 4G will be more expensive than 3G. This is due to the fact that 3G was almost 5 times more expensive than 2G when it was first introduced in India. Also, Airtel charged a hefty rate when they first launched 4G in India. Airtel soon learned their lesson and reduced 4G tariffs to 3G tariff levels.

From operators’ perspective, 3G is an expensive gamble. The 2100 MHz and 900 MHz bands are one of the highest paid spectrums in India. While 4G spectrums like 2300 MHz, 1800 MHz and 850 MHz are the cheapest ones available in India. As spectrum is cheaper, and has better capacity to handle more users, operators will be able to offer 4G at almost half the rates when compared to 3G. With increased competition from pure-play 4G operators like Reliance Jio, the 4G data rates are all set to fall in the coming years.

Also read: Airtel 4G plan details

Support For Voice Calls

The last thing standing in its way to become a superior technology is voice support. The best advantage of 3G network is its support for voice calls and ability to handle voice and data at the same time. While 4G network is data only, it doesn’t have support for traditional voice calls. One way of solving this problem is to use Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB) to 2G/3G network for voice support. But for pure-play 4G players, this won’t be an efficient long-term solution. The latest Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) solves this problem and offers HD voice quality to the users. This technology is currently being implemented by major 4G operators across the globe.

Is This The End of 3G In India?

Seen as the most promising technology of the last decade, 3G is going to be short-lived in India. With mass deployment of 4G networks, 3G will soon become obsolete. Operators like Airtel are already offering 4G at the rate that is similar to 3G rates, and consumers get to choose the network they want, so 4G will be the obvious winner. 

Global operators like Telenor Norway has already announced its plans to shutdown 3G networks by 2020, five years ahead of 2G network shutdown. The days of 3G are already being counted, and it will eventually reach its end in India as well.

Summer Doesn't Have to End

It's been a dreary, wet couple of weeks in the UK and some parts of Europe. For those of us reluctant to say goodbye to summer; the good news is, it doesn't have to end. Destinations offering fantastic late summer sun packages are plentiful, particularly in parts of the world where September and October averages are still in the 20's and 30's, with a warm sea delightful for swimming. And the benefits of traveling now are immense: prices are lower, fewer people competing for sun loungers and sunshine without the burn. Right now it's an ideal getaway for those of us who aren't quite ready to part with summer yet. 

These are our top picks:

Turkey: D Resort Grand Azur
This is a hotel that really distinguishes itself from the rest in Marmaris. For one, it's the only non-all inclusive in the area, so the standards are higher. Indeed, everything from the setting to the atmosphere (live jazz music over dinner), a secluded beach surrounded by white sand and mountains as well as breathtaking views of the sea and the Blue Flagged Beach from your breakfast table, all give this one a very personal and luxurious touch. 

It's a stunning, newly renovated property which is far and away the most stylish resort in all of Marmaris. Ideally situated between two mountain ranges with views of the beautiful coastline, D-Resort Grand Azur exudes architectural style with its sleek, curving profile, nestled in exotic gardens and just steps from a magnificent beach with imported white sand. The hotel is brilliantly located only a short distance from town and offers plenty to do: a well-equipped gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, flood-lit tennis courts and water-sports facilities on the beach. 

The Azur spa sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and solarium offers a wide range of massage and health treatments to leave you feeling very glad you came.

Greece: Domes of Elounda
Exactly like nothing else, Domes of Elounda combines the very best of Mediterranean style in an elegant, sophisticated setting. Still sunny and warm through October, this is a fashionable retreat a luxurious feel, the resort offers lavish comfort amidst spell-binding views of a sparkling Aegean sea.

 Based in Elounda, Crete, Domes of Elounda is located in the hotspot of Greece, a long-time A-list secret beloved by those seeking a restful reprieve amidst incredible natural beauty. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Rihanna and Lady Gaga are all regulars to this former fishing village which offers unsurpassed views and buckets of charm. Every suite, villa or residence comes with an outdoor heated Jacuzzi or a private swimming pool. 

Offering breath-taking views, the chic and stylish interiors go toe to toe with the spectacular natural beauty that surrounds it.

Spain: La Escondida
Hot air ballooning over the Spanish mountains, a leisurely horse ride ending with a chef prepared picnic beside a languid stream, honey direct from the comb dripping on to freshly baked scones, beautifully designed rooms, luxurious linens, all surrounded by acres of almond groves.....

Is this the most romantic hotel in Spain? Recently named one of Spain's top boutique hotels by Mr and Mrs Smith, La Escondida is a stylish and exceptionally beautiful hotel, and a far cry from the over-crowded Spanish resorts.

Owned by former England footballer and manager Terry Venables, in the mountains north of Alicante amidst 500 acres of olive and almond groves, it's a rich combination of rustic Spanish charm and luxurious living. There are riding lessons for all levels of abilities, an indoor swimming heated pool with a lovely spa and a full range of treatments, two stunning terraces and an outdoor pool set in manicured gardens. There is also a jogging track around property's 500 acres; hiking and mountain biking in the National Park, extraordinary bird life, and golfing which can be arranged at a nearby golf course. It's also only 30 minutes from the beach should you fancy a dip in the sea.

Thailand: Kata Rocks
Kata Rocks is a fantastic destination for late summer sun offering great weather, stunning surroundings and some of the best pricing you're likely to find all year. Newly opened in November of last year, Kata Rocks is a stylish Phuket hotel offering a minimalist vibe, a really stunning spa, 'Sky Villas' private infinity pools, fabulous Andaman sea views and a spectacular location. 

There are 43 one, two, three and four-bedroom sky villas stacked across the hillside - big, bright and beautiful, they come with fully-fitted kitchens, living and dining areas, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening onto private infinity pools, each of which is a minimum of seven-metres long.

Maldives: Loama Resorts
Whilst the Maldives is a popular well–trodden destination all year long, this new, luxury hotel really stands out. Hot, dry weather returns to the Maldives as the wet season ends in October. Expect long days of brilliant sunshine and temperatures in the high 20°Cs - low 30°Cs. Accessible only by seaplane, Loama is located on the most secluded inhabited island in the Maldives. 

Loama Resort Maldives at Maamigili is a 105-room luxurious island getaway set amidst a natural tapestry of sun-kissed lagoons, palm-fringed beaches and picture-perfect panoramas, spread over 100 hectares of pristine coral reef within the Raa Atoll. The Resort embodies the spirit of the true Maldives with its quiet rustic charm, idyllic beauty and exuberant culture, anchored firmly in the rich heritage of the island. A unique combination of barefoot luxury and rich Maldivian heritage, this teardrop-shaped private island that was once the playground of ancient kings; away from many of the other bustling tourist resorts the Maldives are famous for, this is a resort with an accent firmly on privacy.

Telugu Superstar Ravi Teja declines film opposite Amitabh Bachchan for his passion in Tollywood

When there is an unprecedented craze among regional cinema actors to make a mark in Bollywood, Telugu Superstar Ravi Teja, has declined a film opposite Star of Millennium Amitabh Bachchan! 

It may come as a stunner because working opposite Amitabh Bachchan is every actor’s dream. Hence Ravi Teja’s decision to turn down film offer opposite Amitabh Bachchan may be termed by many as simply ‘ridiculous’. Some may even term it as Ravi Teja’s arrogance but Ravi Tejaexplains the real reason. 

He says, “Yes, it’s true I have been offered a film opposite Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) but I declined the offer because frankly speaking till date not a single South Indian star has been able to make his presence felt in Bollywood. So why should I make a fun of myself when I'm doing so well for myself in Andhra?"

He informs, “It’s just not a film opposite Amitji that I have declined, I get several offers fromBollywood filmmaker but I purposely decline them as I am contented working in Telugu filmdom so much so that Bollywood never really fascinates me.” 

“Further I have observed that unlike Telugu films that are completed quickly, Bollywood films, take lot of time to wrap up. Hence for a busy actor like me hanging up in a Bollywood project will be troublesome for me,” he argues.

“However I'm open to doing multi-starrers in Hindi. I don't mind sharing screen space with some top star in Bollywood,” he quips. 

It may be noted that Ravi Teja, who is on cloud nine thanks to the stupendous success of his latest film KICK 2 recently rubbed shoulders with Bollywood mega star Salman Khan, who played the lead in the Hindi remake of Ravi Teja’s KICK. 

The duo met at Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi's 60th birthday bash and shared a healthy relation.