Last Friday (29) LIME completed its rollout of the superfast 4G LTE mobile data service across all three Cayman Islands.

The new technology will offer customers speeds of over 100Mb/s that is equivalent to having fibre optic cable capabilities through a mobile device anywhere on the island.

LIME has described it as one of the fastest LTE rollouts anywhere in the world. They said this latest generation of mobile technology designed to supercharge data connected mobile devices would eliminate buffering. 4G LTE delivers a massive step change in functionality and provides a new battleground for mobile operators as they promise greater functionality and connectivity on the move.

In LIMES’ Galleria Plaza store on West Bay Road they showed everyone there its 4G LTE experience centre together with the latest devices and functionality.

LIME Cayman Islands CEO, Bill McCabe, said, “The launch of LTE in the Cayman Islands marks the islands out as one of the best connected and best served countries, not just in the region but anywhere in the world. I’m immensely proud of what has been achieved in such a short space of time. Ericsson, LIME’s network partner has worked round the clock with our local team to deliver on our promise to be first with LTE for our customers.”

McCabe said new service customers will be able to click on a website and it will open immediately, stream a High Definition video without buffering, use a 4G LTE portable wifi device and surf at the beach with up to ten friends connected simultaneously. He encouraged everyone to visit LIME’s Galleria Plaza store.

“Devices are on live display and you can touch, feel and see for yourself how super-fast this technology is,” he said.

See also iNews Cayman related story published December 1 2013 “Digicel now has LTE Service in Cayman Islands” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/digicel-now-has-lte-service-in-cayman-islands/

From time4lime.com

What is 4G?

4G refers to the 4th Generation of mobile technology. It succeeds the 2G and 3G families of standards, and includes wide range technologies. LIME’s initial deployment of 4G wireless is based on HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access) and will offer customers a much faster mobile internet experience.

4G Data Speeds

The actual download/upload speeds experienced by LIME’s customers will depend on the technology available in the user’s area, the user’s mobile device’s capabilities, and the number of other users simultaneously accessing the network in the sector. When in an HSPA+ (4G) coverage area with a suitable HSPA+ (4G) device LIME’s initial rollout of 4G allows for shared download/upload speeds which will be 60X faster than 2G (GSM).

What technology does LIME have today?

LIME’s mobile networks support GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA, and HSPA+. Today, in Cayman, LIME has a GSM 2nd generation mobile network (2G). However, it is also provisioned with EDGE data services, which are also referred to as 2.5G. LIME’s new 4G data experience will be up to 60 times faster than what we offered before 4G.

What can you do with 4G?

4G Mobile Broadband will deliver a superior online experience, delivering popular web sites such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare all much faster using a Smartphone device or, with a tablet or a computer. Faster download speeds are particularly necessary for large files such as a film or video clip downloads, or to play online games through the Internet.

Will I be able to access 4G data services when I roam?

Yes. If roaming within the Caribbean in any of the LIME countries where 4G HSPA+ has been enabled, or if you are visiting any of the international countries where LIME has a roaming agreement and where that network operator who has HSPA+ enabled. You will also have access to 2G and 3G roaming in markets where we have roaming agreements. As always you should check that your mobile device supports the mobile frequencies which are used by the mobile operator in the country where you are roaming. For further information on roaming you may log on to HYPERLINK “http://www.lime.com” www.lime.com. Note Bene: Mobile Data while roaming is charged by the MB at a premium rate; it is not included in your LIME data plan. Many mobile devices in network settings will give you the option to turn off your data while roaming or to select a specific mobile data network type.

Does this technology meet international standards?

Yes, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), who sets and defines the standards within telecommunications around the world, LTE, WiMax and HSPA+ are all considered as 4G standards. LIME is currently deploying a HSPA+ network in the Cayman Islands.

What’s the difference between 3G & 4G?

4G networks give you higher data speeds even compared to 3G. Not only will you experience greater coverage on 4G but you will also get faster Internet connection, an improved browsing experience, much shorter download times and faster access to applications. Simply put, 4G enhances the mobile lifestyle and experience.

Is this technology more reliable?

Yes. 4G technology provides a more reliable and stable network. 4G is the latest in internet technology so expect better signal. In fact, 4G is known to have a more reliable signal than any other service available on the market. Everyone has come to the realization that the Internet is a must-have tool for personal and business use and not having a strong enough signal can be detrimental to those who have to email an important project or document.

Is 4G technology more secure than 2G or 3G?

2G (GPRS and EDGE) and 3G networks are all extremely secure and the 4G HSPA+ networks, offer the same level of security mechanisms and are complemented by upgraded security features. However, customers should always be cautious when sharing information electronically and should take all necessary precautions to safeguard their personal sensitive informative information.

Will this service improve my in-building coverage?

Yes. Indoor and outdoor coverage will improve both on the 2G network for voice and with the new 4G network, for mobile internet usage.

I have a 3G phone. Will I see a performance improvement or do I have to buy a 4G phone?

Yes, you will be able to experience a great performance improvement with a 3G phone. You do not need to have a 4G phone to enjoy a great mobile internet experience. However, you need to make sure the phone is fully compatible. As long as your phone supports HSPA or HSPA+ on 850MHz, you will be able to enjoy a great experience. Please note that LTE phones are still not compatible with our network.

Customer with a 3G device when connected to the instead of seeing GPRS or EDGE on your screen, you now see 3G without even having to come into the store. For customers with a 4G or HSPA+ device you will now see an ‘H’ or an ‘H+’ when you are connected to the 4G data network.

For more information go to: http://www.time4lime.com/4G/ky/about-4g/faq.html