Let's talk '4G' on the iPhone 4S

The 5.1 software update has added something interesting on the iPhone 4S.  This is the '4G' indicator, which indicates AT&T HSPA+ service.  There's 3 requirements for the '4G' indicator to be active:

1. 1. Must have iPhone 4S
   2. Must be running software 5.1 or higher 
   3. Must have AT&T as carrier

What is HSPA+ you ask?  It's a newer data protocol that offers 14.4 Mb/s download, so roughly 2-3 times faster than 3G.  All iPhone 4S models support HSPA+ regardless of software version or carrier.  The '4G' text is just a cosmetic indicator and does not activate any new features.

The large misconception is the '4G' indicates LTE service.  None of the currently iPhone models support LTE.  If you want an iPhone with LTE support, wait until later this year when the new model is released!