LTE, acronym for Long Term Evolution, is a standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile phones and data terminals. Developed as an evolution of the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) standard and part of the 4G network technology family, LTE offers significant improvements in download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and data traffic management capabilities compared to previous generations. LTE can provide theoretical download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 75 Mbps.
In everyday life, LTE is used to enhance users' mobile experiences in various ways. For example, when a user streams videos on platforms like YouTube or Netflix, an LTE connection enables smooth, uninterrupted playback due to its high speed and low latency. For GPS navigation applications, real-time map updates are much faster with LTE, ensuring precise and up-to-date directions. LTE is also essential for video conferencing apps, where high-quality video and audio are critical for effective communication, defined as Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
In Switzerland, LTE technology has been widely adopted by network operators (Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt), offering nearly 100% mobile coverage nationwide. Investments in LTE infrastructure have enabled high-speed connectivity not only in cities but also in rural and mountainous areas. LTE services in Switzerland support a wide range of applications, from business communications to personal entertainment, and are integral to the development of smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT).
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