# 4G LTE

> 4G LTE is the fourth generation of mobile network technology, delivering fast data speeds suitable for streaming, maps and video calls while travelling.

Source: https://viasimo.com/glossary/4g-lte/
Also known as: LTE, 4G, Long Term Evolution, LTE-Advanced

---
4G LTE is the fourth generation of mobile network technology, delivering fast data speeds suitable for streaming, maps and video calls while travelling. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, the standard behind almost every 4G network in the world.

For travellers, 4G LTE is the connection that matters most. It is the most widely deployed fast network standard on the planet, reaching far more towns, coastlines and rural areas than [5G](/glossary/5g/), and it comfortably handles everything a typical trip demands: navigation, video calls home, social uploads and sharing your connection as a hotspot. Most travel eSIMs connect over 4G LTE by default wherever it is available.

A common confusion is the difference between the 4G and LTE labels on your screen. Some phones show 4G, others show LTE, and a few show 4G+ or LTE-A for the faster LTE-Advanced variant. In practice these are all the same family of networks, and the real speed you get depends far more on local [network coverage](/glossary/network-coverage/) and congestion than on the label.

## How the generations compare

| Generation | Typical real-world speed | Good for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3G | 1 to 10 Mbps | Messaging and email |
| 4G LTE | 10 to 100 Mbps | Streaming, maps, video calls |
| 5G | 100 Mbps and up | Heavy downloads, low latency |

Concrete example: you land in Rome, your eSIM connects and the status bar shows LTE. At around 30 Mbps you can navigate, translate menus, stream music and upload photos without ever noticing that you are not on 5G.

One practical check before you fly: 4G frequency bands vary between countries, so confirm your phone supports your destination's bands on our [device compatibility](/device-compatibility/) page. If you are new to eSIMs, start with [what an eSIM is](/magazine/what-is-an-esim-complete-guide/), then work out [how much data you actually need](/magazine/how-much-data-do-i-need-for-travel/); for most travellers, a solid 4G LTE connection is more than enough.