With every passing year, the excitement for 5G technology grows bigger and bigger. We’ve started speculating about what it could mean for not just our mobile devices but countless vital industries—such as healthcare.

But with all the talk surrounding 5G, it’s easy to forget that what we’ve got now has made an enormous impact on people’s lives. 4G has helped launch businesses, pave ways out of poverty, and much more.

In this article, you’ll discover five ways that 4G has changed how the world works forever.

1. On-the-Go Entertainment

Arguably the biggest legacy of 4G is how it has made streaming on the go even more accessible than with 3G. Now, you can watch full-length videos and live sporting events at high speed without connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

Related: How to Delete Old Wi-Fi Networks on Your Android Phone

In a world where consumers have an ever-growing demand for the utmost convenience, 4G has helped the likes of Netflix and Disney+ to deliver content wherever you go. You can also watch videos on social media with minimal lag, and the same is true for consuming your favorite music albums and podcasts without downloading them before.

2. A Whole New Level of Convenience-Oriented Businesses

Away from the individual, 4G has disrupted business as we know it. This faster internet has led to the boom of multiple convenience-based, mobile-oriented companies.

Uber has benefited significantly from the widespread adoption of 4G technology, and the same can be said for its competitors—such as Lyft.

These businesses have helped the world with more than just allowing people to quickly call a ride at a fraction of the price of taxis. As a result, more people have been able to make money on their own terms, helping them create a side income or spend more time with their families.

Related: What Does LTE Mean on My Phone?

3. Faster Phone Internet Speeds

Photo of a person texting while sitting down on a step

Of course, we can’t talk about the jump from 3G to 4G changing the world without looking at mobile devices themselves. Having quicker phone speeds has enabled us to communicate faster than before.

With 4G, many users can call their loved ones on FaceTime and other video-based communication apps without connecting to their home internet. Sharing images has also become much easier, as has using social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

Having faster internet speeds has also enabled many users to replace their laptops for many functionalities. 4G has made it easier to download and use apps, surf the web for quick answers, and access a whole range of information on the go.

4. More Ways to Shop

Photo of a person holding their phone on a Shopify page

As reported by Business Insider, mobile shopping was expected to comprise 45% of the eCommerce market share by the end of 2020—at a total of $284 billion. We can point to COVID-19 as an accelerator for already happening trends, but 4G has also played a role.

With 4G, users don’t need to wait until they’re either on their computer or connected to Wi-Fi if they want to buy something. They can fill out their card details or use Google or Apple Pay from pretty much anywhere.

4G has also revolutionized in-store shopping. Now, you can go into a shop and search for an item you see in-store on your web browser. If you find a less expensive place to buy it online, you can do that and be confident that it’ll be a good fit.

5. Opening More Doors

4G has assisted the rise of multi-billion-dollar startups but has also been essential for helping other entrepreneurs to make a name for themselves.

With your smartphone’s data, you can set up almost everything you need to begin running a business. These include:

  • Consuming articles and videos to learn about your industry and business ownership.
  • Creating a website.
  • Using social media to promote your products and services.

With the ability to start a business with something as simple as a phone, 4G has allowed many people to begin living the life they want. And for others, it has also helped them improve their socioeconomic status.

4G: Paving the Way for Even Bigger Changes

4G has transformed many people’s lives in ways that were unimaginable even a decade ago. Users can quickly shop for things they need online, along with hailing rideshares and booking transport tickets away from the station and their laptops.

This technology has also enabled businesses to thrive that otherwise might have struggled, along with providing a bigger range of entertainment on your morning commute.

The jump from 3G to 4G was significant, and the changes 5G brings compared to 4G will be astronomical.