USA users of carriers like Sprint and Verizon have long wished their cell phones and broadband modems were based on the GSM format so that they could have more flexibility in overseas usage, the technology that most of the rest of the world operates on. Users of non-GSM based wireless products who wish to use their service overseas are either unable (such as EVDO broadband pretty much anywhere but North America) to do so or forced to pay ridiculous roaming fees for the "privilege" of being able to use their phone or internet service that they are already paying for.

We've heard a lot of complaints about this issue, and there are already people wondering if that might change when WiMAX and LTE are debuted. The good news is that WiMAX does not require a physical token like a SIM card. So long as your WiMAX device/internal modem operates on the proper frequency, you could sign up with whatever provider suits your needs on a temporary basis. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as if LTE providers are going to be straying from their SIM-based format as they make the gradual move from 3G to 4G. If you go with LTE, you will remain saddled with the usual 1 or 2-year contract and have to deal with the same pains as always.

Will this prevent people from signing up for LTE when WiMAX is available as an alternative? Or will a SIM-free solution for LTE be developed? There will be some for whom being able to sign up with various providers will be a huge factor, but I'd imagine that the majority of 4G users are going to be more focused on coverage areas and broadband speeds (not to mention bandwidth limits, but let's not go there just yet).