Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology is the most recent offering from mobile networks as it can provide high-speed wireless internet connectivity to its customers.

It is a fourth-generation (4G) wireless broadband technology that was initially developed in 2004 by the Third Generation Partnership Project forum.

It was created to give providers greater control over the network as the LTE group holds complete power over how the network is used by the customer.

This then allows companies to maximise profits by allocating prices for specifically sized packages.

LTE products have been tested and trialled by more than 100 manufacturers which already are a part of a well-planned LTE eco-system.

What does LTE 4G technology offer?

Once introduced, it was expected to take over from previous mobile technologies:

• Download speeds of up to 120Mbps but don't be mislead by the "up to" as it could fall short. Speeds of around 25Mbps have been reported on Verizon's 700MHz US network, with average speeds around half that figure;

• Upload rates over 60Mbps;

• Operational in both test driven development (TDD) and feature driven development (FDD) modes;

• Reduced latency to 10ms round-trip time between user equipment and the base station and to less than 100 ms transition time from inactive to active;

• It can be used whilst travelling in car and trains;

• Can improve business models;

• Allows simultaneous multimedia to be in use.

In addition, less investment is needed into the LTE infrastructure from the companies which can use the back end of other existing technologies.

Where the technology stands in the UK

Many other countries have grasped the new technology but the UK has found itself lagging behind.

It could be up to two years before the UK customers get to sample the delights of super-speed Wi-Fi technology.

The 4G revolution is on a standstill in the UK until the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands have been made available by Ofcom and once they are, they will then need to be auctioned and sold to ISPs.

Furthermore, the UK providers are expected to adopt LTE mobile broadband over Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) in attempts to avoid a format war.

Currently O2 is the only provider to have been testing the LTE in the UK since 2009.

O2's studies found that LTE achieved an impressive peak download speed of over 150Mbps.

Problems

The only recorded issue is that LTE uses the 700 MHz spectrum which results in interference by other signals which use this spectrum.

This can include power lines, radio stations, TVs and even microwaves.