What to know about Verizon's 4G network

On Aug. 18, Verizon, the largest cellular provider in Nebraska, will turn on its fourth-generation long term evolution — or 4G LTE — network, which will cover clients in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area as far west as Ashland on Interstate 80.

The announcement

The announcement by Verizon is a significant one, especially considering that Sprint, based in Overland Park, Kan., and AT&T haven't rolled-out their 4G offerings anywhere in Nebraska or Iowa. Currently, T-Mobile, which could merge with AT&T if all regulatory hurdles are cleared, is the only major provider with a 4G network already humming along in Omaha.

With all the various talk of "4G" in recent years, including the different types of networks and speeds, here's what consumers need to know about Verizon's straightway generation network: