We call it "4G LTE" instead of just "4G" ... because T-Mobile and AT&T labeled 3G HSPA+ as "4G" ... because Sprint's WiMAX was a fourth-generation technology bu

We call it "4G LTE" instead of just "4G" ... because T-Mobile and AT&T labeled 3G HSPA+ as "4G" ... because Sprint's WiMAX was a fourth-generation technology but wasn't very good, so it was slower than decent 3G. Similarly, when 5G is first available, it won't be very good, and really good 4G LTE will actually be faster. So AT&T is pre-emptively calling good 4G "5G". It sure would be nice if consumers would understand that "5G" is not always better than "4G", it's just different, and one day will probably be better, but not today, not even this year. But marketing won't risk it, they'll just re-number and re-name, and make sure everyone is properly confused.