The ITU (International Telecommunication Union), the authority that determines the definition of 4G, recently certified LTE-Advanced and 802.16m WiMAX 2 as the only technologies that meet the requirements for a fourth generation wireless network. However, it appears that the agency has changed its mind. Check out this statement:

"It is recognized that [4G], while undefined, may also be applied to the forerunners of these technologies, LTE and WiMax, and to other evolved 3G technologies providing a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third generation systems now deployed."

This means that Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless can freely market their 4G networks without violating the ITU's certification and definition.

However, I feel that this decision only serves to add to the confusing 4G mix in the US market. With this soft definition, consumers will find it harder to determine the "true 4G" network.

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