I have noticed a sharp increase in requests for "Broadband" help from my friends here in Tagaytay. One of the remaining challenges is the generational (at times) lack of knowledge on what it takes to get/remain connected to already compromised services from the ISP (Internet service provider) here in the PI. I would like to just list a few key words along with my opinions to start the dialog.
…. a few key terms to get everyone on the same path follows:
If we go back in history we had the UN agency called the ITU, or International Telecommunications Union, who sets telecommunication standards for the world. The ITU coined the terms 1G, than 2G, 3G and 4G… now 5G, the technical standard for wireless or modulation protocol (i.e., wireless internet service). I will not focus on the first 2 generations since most countries/locations are well past the former "analog/ mixed analog technology".
3G - Circuit switched wideband digital protocol with data.
Often viewed on our phones or data devices as: UMTS/ WCDMA & EvDO
3.5G - Always-on digital protocol with data.
Often viewed on our phones or data devices as: HSPA
3.75G - Circuit switched digital protocol with data.
This is where 3G & 4G merge but do not become full LTE yet.
Often viewed on our phones or data devices as: HSPA+ / HSDPA / HSUPA
4G - Packet switched digital protocol. Allows true VOIP.
Often viewed on our phones or data devices as: 4G / LTE / WiMAX
4.5G - Upgraded digital rate protocol.
Will be viewed on our phones or data devices as: LTE-A
5G - Yet fully developed protocol.
Reported to be viewed on our phones or data devices as: 5G
Important Tech legend
HSPA = "High Speed Packet Access"
HSDPA = "High Speed Downlink Packet Access"
HSUPA = "High Speed Uplink Packet Access"
HSPA+ = “Evolved High-Speed Packet Access.”
WiMAX = “Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access”
LTE = “Long Term Evolution”
Please feel free to ask related questions or share your personal experience with past or current wireless broadband speeds you use here in the Philippines. I do realize that some are very happy with any speed they get, may never be interested in the technical aspects and will never engage in sharing detailed technical exchanges. I hope that all can learn how to cope with all of the current and future issue that are before us and look forward to all contributions.
P.S. Some about to retire and move to the Philippines may wonder what cell phones, routers or pocket wifi devices will work the best here? Here is a great way to get answers and learn what others have used to achieve a broadband connection.