Will 4G be more expensive? All you need to know

Tired of the slow data speed, then this is good news for you.  

Bharti Airtel has launched 4G services across 296 towns in 12 states, which will help you enjoy high speed wireless broadband.

You can watch your favourite movies seamlessly as it enables fast uploading and downloading of movies, music and images. 

Airtel customers can avail 4G at 3G data prices, with packs starting at Rs 25. 

Here's all that you wanted to know about 4G...

What is 4G?

4G stands for fourth-generation mobile technology; it enables Internet speeds that are up to five times faster than 3G. Compared with the speed of 21 Mbps that 3G claims to support, 4G promises a download speed of up to 100 Mbps. 

Can I access 4G service on my current 3G-enabled handset?

To transmit data, 4G networks use frequencies that are different from those used by 3G, so these require handsets enabled to receive new frequencies. 

Will my existing phone and SIM work if I want to switch to 4G?

A user will need to buy a 4G-enabled handset and then upgrade his or her existing 2G/3G SIM card to a USIM (Universal SIM)/4G SIM. 

Where can I buy a 4G handset?

Numerous 4G devices on Flipkart are now bundled and delivered with Airtel 4G SIMs. Airtel is also offering home delivery of SIMs and instant SIM swaps and activation. 

How much does a 4G handset cost?

4G-enabled handsets are priced between Rs 7,000 and Rs 47,999. Airtel & Reliance Jio are partnering with handset makers to bring handset prices down to Rs 4,000. 

Will 4G service be more expensive than 3G?

Airtel customers can get 4G at 3G data prices, with packs starting at Rs 25. Airtel’s ‘Infinity Plans’ start at Rs 999 and offer unlimited voice with 3 GB of data. Free movies and music are added to this pack. Currently, various operators typically offer 1 GB of post-paid 3G data at about Rs 250. 

How fast is 4G when compared with 3G?

Downloading a song would take 2.5 seconds on 4G, compared with 8.2 seconds on 3G. Downloading a full Bollywood film would take 9.3 minutes on 4G, while it takes 41.3 minutes on 3G. 

Is there any other telco that is offering 4G services across the country?

Airtel is the first to roll out 4G across India. After this, Reliance Jio Infocomm is expected to launch nationwide 4G in December. Vodafone India, too, is expected to roll out 4G services by year-end.

Inputs: Business Standard