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4g network release date

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The development and standardization of the 4G (fourth-generation) network technology were carried out by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and various telecommunications standards organizations. The official release date of 4G technology can be traced back to the ITU's announcement of the IMT-Advanced (International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced) standard, which defines the requirements for 4G networks.

Here is a timeline of key events leading to the release of 4G:

  1. ITU Announcement (2008): The ITU officially designated the LTE-Advanced (Long-Term Evolution Advanced) and WiMAX Release 2 technologies as part of the IMT-Advanced standard, meeting the criteria for 4G technology. This announcement was made in October 2008.
  2. LTE Rollout (2009-2010): While the ITU's official announcement came in 2008, the rollout of 4G networks, specifically LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, began before the formal standardization. In the 2009-2010 timeframe, several operators worldwide started deploying LTE networks commercially.
  3. WiMAX Development: WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) was another technology considered part of the 4G standard. WiMAX development was ongoing, with deployments occurring in various regions around the same time as LTE.
  4. Commercial Deployments (2010 onwards): The commercial deployment of 4G networks, based on both LTE and WiMAX technologies, expanded globally from 2010 onwards. Countries and telecommunication operators gradually rolled out 4G services to consumers, providing faster data speeds and improved network capabilities compared to 3G.
  5. LTE-Advanced (2012): The ITU later included LTE-Advanced as a true 4G technology, and its official recognition as part of the IMT-Advanced standard solidified the position of LTE as a major 4G technology. This recognition came in 2012.

While the official announcement by the ITU occurred in 2008, it's essential to note that commercial deployments started before the formal standardization, and the term "4G" was informally used to describe these advanced wireless technologies. The rollout and adoption of 4G networks significantly improved mobile broadband speeds, paving the way for advanced mobile services and applications.