3G and 4G are terms used to describe the third and fourth generations of wireless mobile services. 4G is a newer technology and generally delivers faster speeds than 3G. We’ve compared 3G and 4G technology to help you understand the differences in speed, availability, and what types of internet activities are possible with each.

A 3G network is a high-speed mobile broadband network that uses third-generation wireless technologies. 3G technology essentially ushered in the era of mobile data, bringing many improvements over 2.5G and previous network standards, such as fast transmission, advanced multimedia access, and global roaming.

A 4G network is a high-speed mobile broadband network that uses fourth-generation wireless technologies. 4G technology is an improvement over 3G technology, offering speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G service. 4G can do everything 3G can do, but faster. 4G can also handle mobile high-definition TV, video conferencing, and other data-intensive applications.

3G networks have speeds of up to 3.1 megabits per second (Mbps) or more, which is comparable to cable modem speeds. However, 3G network speeds vary depending on factors such as location, network traffic, and signal strength.