I thought others might like to know a definition that works for me. A system is a procedure, process, method, or course of action designed to achieve a specific result. Its component parts and interrelated steps work together for the good of the whole.
Thank you all, for the answers. Still one nagging question, though: NOt stated by T-Mobile on the 4G LTE Overview page is its use of the 1900 MHz frequency. As mentioned in the 4G Overview Additional Info, T-Mobile is switching some 1900 MHz frequency from EDGE to HSPA+.This will allow devices that work on 1900 MHz, such as AT&T devices, to use our 4G network..e: LTE Band # and Frequency. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise, HSPA+ is an addition to the 3G standard to provide higher data rates than originally scheduled. What T-Mobile's doing is moving 3G/HSPA+ service off its 1700 MHz band and onto 1900MHz, where more phones support it globally.
The standard is developed by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and is specified in its Release 8 document series, with minor enhancements described in Release 9. LTE is the natural upgrade path for carriers with both GSM/UMTS networks and CDMA2000 networks. The different LTE frequencies and bands used in different countries will mean that only multi-band phones will be able to use LTE in all countries where it is supported.