On the tablet side, Verizon announced that it will sell the new from Motorola, as well as a 4G-capable Galaxy Tab from Samsung. Also new to the Verizon 4G lineup are two new mobile-hotspot devices, the and a 4G LTE version of the MiFi mobile hotspot.

Next page: What does 4G mean to T-Mobile and AT&T?

AT&T and T-Mobile currently do not have 4G networks. Both carriers are trying to get the last bit of value out of their existing 3G networks by using HSPA+ technology. And each company asserts that because its 3G network can deliver speeds close to those of true 4G networks (namely, Sprint's WiMax and Verizon's LTE) in some areas in some markets, it should be able to call its devices "4G."

The truth is, both providers understand the brand value of the "4G" term, and how important it is for consumers to believe that they are investing in fast new networks. That's why AT&T and T-Mobile have both begun putting "4G' in the names of their products.