Wireless technology has significantly advanced in recent years enabling many applications in addition to a traditional voice call over a mobile phone.  3G and 4G high speed data has transformed the mobile phone and wireless services available. 

In this section we look at the following wireless technologies.

• 3G  -  3G is short for third-generation mobile telephony and enabled multi media, video calling and the mobile internet.
   
• 4G LTE  -  4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) was the next major enhancement to mobile communications networks. LTE delivered mobile broadband and high speed data enbling a wealth of enhanced mobile applications including high definition video. 
   
• 5G - 5G is 5th generation of mobile networks, a significant evolution of todays 4G LTE networks.  5G will enable gigabit data speeds, provide significantly increased capacity and low latency connections.  5G is being designed to meet the very large growth in data and connectivity of today’s modern society, the internet of things with billions of connected devices, and tomorrow’s innovations.  
  
  See also - How 5G Works
   
• WiMAX   -  WiMAX, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways.
   
• Wi-Fi  -  Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is the term used to describe high speed wireless connection over short distances between mobile computing devices such as laptops and the internet.
   
• Femtocells  -  Femtocells are low-power wireless access points that combine mobile and Internet technologies within the home and operate similar to a cordless phone.
   
• Bluetooth  -  Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range radio technology that uses radio frequency fields to transmit signals over short distances between telephones, computers and other devices. The technology offers simplified communication and synchronization between devices without the need for cables.
   
• DECT  -  DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication. DECT is a common standard for cordless telephones and is a radio technology suited for voice, data and networking applications in residential, corporate and public environments.  Many cordless phones used in residential homes use DECT technology.

Click here for an overview of radio communications in the community