Wireless carriers have collectively invested several billion dollars in 4G, or next-generation mobile networks, and are expected to continue significant investment during the next several years. Estimates are that by 2016, annual spending on Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network technology alone will be in excess of $16 billion globally.

Early indications suggest that carriers will see returns on these significant investments, as 4G smartphone customers are more engaged with their device, more reliant on their wireless connection, more satisfied with their experience, and more loyal to their carrier, according to wireless customer research conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.