Coming to Edwards: Verizon Cellular 4G LTE upgrade Published April 23, 2013 By Sal Villagrana 412th Communications Squadron EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On April 24 Verizon technicians began upgrading the Verizon Cellular 3G here at Edwards to support new 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) cellular capabilities. At the moment, no fielded government devices have 4G capability and organizations will need to replace theirs to take advantage of 4G. However, individuals who own a personal Verizon device with 4G capability will have access as soon as the Verizon team completes their upgrade on May 1. For the user, the difference between 3G cellular and 4G LTE cellular technologies lies mostly in sheer speed. To the majority of Edwards AFB users, the transition will be largely transparent. However, some Verizon cellular customers may experience intermit connectivity during the upgrades. The 4G LTE technology is backward compatible and 3G devices will continue to have cellular service after the upgrades - just not 4G. This 4G LTE upgrade will not affect any users accessing NIPRNet through Second Generation wireless. 4G will bring to EAFB new base technologies, more network capacity for more data per user, and the potential for better voice quality. The 4G LTE cellular networks have far higher standards for speed (at 100 megabits per second, the standard is considered the equivalent of cable network speed 500 times faster than 3G cellular), plus enhanced web communications and connection reliability. Future plans are underway to upgrade Air Force Research Laboratory Detachment 7 with the 4G capability as well. For any questions or additional information, please contact the 412th Communications Squadron Communications Focal Point at (661) 277-3444, or by email at 412CS.Client.Services.center@edwards.af.mil.