3G Networks
This generation offered drastically more than its predecessors. It was able to handle a lot more data at once, and at the faster speed of about 2 mbps (megabits per second). This included the ability to browse web pages, watch videos, hear higher-quality audio, and use a variety of more complicated applications. 3G networks are still available and in use, especially if you have an older phone model that can’t support the latest network generation. You may even notice that your newer phone model will connect to a 3G network while in a more remote area. If you’re used to the speed of 4G, this can be a fairly miserable step back in time.

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4G and 4G LTE
The fastest cellular network currently available is 4G LTE, which is a more advanced version of 4G. LTE is short for “Long Term Evolution.” It offers an increased capacity and more speed than 3G and 4G networks, and can reach a download rate of about 40 mbps and an upload rate of about 15 mbps, depending on your phone carrier. In other words: your web pages will load faster, and you’ll be able to upload photos and videos to Facebook faster than ever. Perhaps even faster than on your current Wi-Fi network, which is pretty incredible.

5G is the Future
If 4G LTE is often faster than your home Wi-Fi network, imagine what 5G will include. A 5G network may eventually serve as a replacement for your home Wi-Fi network. Either way, it will definitely make your home “smarter,” considering all of the devices and appliances that need a wireless connection. Unfortunately, true 5G won’t be available until around 2018 at the earliest, or else by around 2020. But it will be worth the wait for an even faster network that can truly juggle each person’s multitude of devices at once. Not to mention its Ultra HD and 3D video capabilities, and the rumor that you’ll be able to download an HD movie in seconds. The future certainly looks impressive.

Sprint
At Sprint, you’ll get unlimited high-speed data for $60 per month. Sprint also offers tiered data plans starting at $15 per month for 1GB. Be aware that you need to have pretty good credit to qualify for these plans.

Boost Mobile
Boost, which is owned by Sprint and uses Sprint’s network, works on a prepaid basis and doesn’t require credit checks. For unlimited data with Boost, you’ll pay $50 month. Other plans start at $35 per month for 2GB.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s unlimited plan costs $75 per month. If unlimited talk time isn’t that appealing to you, T-Mobile has a $30 per month plan that gives you unlimited texts and data usage with 100 minutes of talk time. Like Sprint, T-Mobile requires that you submit to a credit check.

MetroPCS
MetroPCS is owned by T-Mobile and uses its network. There is no credit check and unlimited plans costs $60 per month, with other plans starting at $30 for 1GB of usage per month. Be aware, though, that priority is given to T-Mobile customers when necessary. This means that MetroPCS users may experience slow data during peak times.

AT&T Wireless
AT&T data plans start at $30 for 1GB and go all the way up to $450 for 100GB. AT&T’s unlimited plan starts at $100 per month. A cool feature of the AT&T plan is that you won’t be charged extra if you go over your monthly usage allowance. You’ll just receive your data at a slower speed until the next billing cycle begins.

Cricket
Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T and has an unlimited plan for $70 per month. Cricket offers prepaid plans and devices and does not require a credit check. One thing you can’t get through this carrier, though, is the option to turn your device into a mobile hotspot.

Verizon
Verizon prepaid data costs $45 month for 2GB, or $60 for 5GB. If you sign up for auto pay, the carrier will add an additional 1GB to your plan. They do not offer an unlimited data plan.

Thinking about how, where, and when you use your device will help you find the best deal for you. A cheaper plan isn’t necessarily a bargain if it doesn’t give you the features you want.