The biggest expectations about the iPhone 5 are that it will have a bigger 4-inch screen and be the first iPhone to sport 4G LTE support that will allow it to operate on the fastest mobile networks, but how much does 4G really matter to you?

A recent poll conducted by Piper Jaffray showed that 47 percent of the participants didn't think they need 4G.

But as ZDNet contributor Matthew Miller stated, that could all change with the iPhone 5.

"Results from a new Piper Jaffray poll show consumers don't think they need 4G, but I am pretty sure Apple will change all of that with the next iPhone announcement. Once you taste the speed of LTE, you don't want to go back," Miller wrote. 

Verizon has the largest 4G network as of now, with AT&T and Sprint trailing. The three national carriers will be launching the iPhone 5 in September. T-Mobile will not be carrying the iPhone 5 because of what they have described as engineering conflicts.

With the iPhone 5 shaping up to be the biggest consumer electronics device launch in history, you can bet there will be plenty of people lining up to get the handset. Many of them will be renewing contracts to get the standard two-year price, and the option of switching carriers may come down to 4G coverage. 

4G LTE is the fastest mobile network available in the United States. It is still growing, and doesn't cover every area, but it is available in most major cities. And while many consumers might not be completely sold on a 4G network, the iPhone 5 will probably change that. People are looking forward to the handset more than ever, and the fact that it will be 4G capable should help propel 4G and LTE into the mainstream spotlight.

The iPhone 5 should also come with iOS 6 and an NFC chip that could make wireless payments possible.