4G (also known as Beyond 3G), an abbreviation for Fourth-Generation, is a term used to describe the next complete evolution in wireless communications. A 4G system will be able to provide a comprehensive IP solution where voice, data and streamed multimedia can be given to users on an "Anytime, Anywhere" basis, and at higher data rates than previous generations.

4G is being developed to accommodate the quality of service (QoS) and rate requirements set by forthcoming applications like wireless broadband access, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), video chat, mobile TV, HDTV content, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), minimal service like voice and data, and other streaming services for "anytime-anywhere". The 4G working group has defined the following as objectives of the 4G wireless communication standard:

A spectrally efficient system (in bits/s/Hz and bits/s/Hz/site),[2]
High network capacity: more simultaneous users per cell,[3]
A nominal data rate of 100 Mbit/s while the client physically moves at high speeds relative to the station, and 1 Gbit/s while client and station are in relatively fixed positions as defined by the ITU-R,[1]
A data rate of at least 100 Mbit/s between any two points in the world,
Smooth handoff across heterogeneous networks,
Seamless connectivity and global roaming across multiple networks
High quality of service for next generation multimedia support (real time audio, high speed data, HDTV video content, mobile TV, etc)
Interoperability with existing wireless standards, and
An all IP, packet switched network.
In summary, the 4G system should dynamically share and utilise network resources to meet the minimal requirements of all the 4G enabled users.

I remember a time before all this.

Before Them.
Before The Machines.