When you buy a new mobile phone or want an iPad with 3G connection–you have a lot of choices to decide–3G, 4G, 4G LTE?  ATT, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile?

Which should you pick first?

First of all, you must check with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile on their website for coverage maps for where you live.  If you see that the data (not voice) map shows 4G or 4G LTE, that means you have a good chance of having your mobile device be able to do video communication.

Today, if you have 4G or 4G LTE coverage on your mobile device, it usually means you can do video communication outside of a wifi area.

Remember, those 4G and 4G LTE plans have a data cap of 2 or 3 GB, which only allows a couple hours of video calls per MONTH!

The older iPad2 does not have 4G, only 3G.  Sometimes 3G will work for video, but not as good as 4G/4G LTE.  The later models after iPad2 have 4G LTE as an option.

Try to use wifi first if you have coverage in your area.  If not, you can then use the 4G or 4G LTE coverage.  In many cases, 4G or 4G LTE gives better quality video calls than wifi because of the stability of the signal.  Wifi signals sometimes drop in middle of call due to internet connections, while 4G and 4G LTE are cellular connections which are usually more stable.

If you are a passenger in a car or if you have an emergency on the road, 4G and 4G LTE — if there is coverage– will allow you to make video calls.

Also, do not forget to download the NEW Z5 Mobile app (link.) You can make video calls with Z5 on your 4G/4G LTE connection!

Dr. Z is proud to be part of the team that understands and listens to the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Try Z5 Mobile, you will LOVE it, just like Dr. Z!

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is associated with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Business Development