Third Generation: wCDMA, UMTS, and iMode

The third generation of wireless industry technology represents the next major upgrade in functionality. Examples of 3G technology include the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) and wideband-
CDMA (W-CDMA). 3G offers the ability to receive wired Internet features and services at ISDN-like speeds over a mobile handset. Unfortunately, 3G technology requires a complete overhaul of existing cellular networks. As a result, the immense capital investment involved requires a detailed analysis to determine whether the additional benefits justify upgrading 2.5G networks. Additionally, 3G adoption in the United States will be slowed by the competing standards and pricing schemes that charge wireless users for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Japan and Europe are currently leading the charge for the adoption of the next generation 3G data networks. Third generation networks are expected to arrive in Japan first, where capacity constraints on the existing
cellular infrastructure necessitate an overhaul. Meanwhile, the European Union and national regulators have set a European 3G network implementation goal of 2004. With the United States being so far behind Japan and Europe, some analysts are predicting that fourth generation wireless technology could make third generation services obsolete before the 3G bandwagon even gets rolling.

Fourth Generation Wireless—What’s Next?

While most of us are still thinking about when 3G will arrive in our neighborhoods, wireless network providers are already planning their launch for the fourth generation of wireless. 4G systems aren’t planned for launch until 2010, although some providers have even insisted on a 2006 launch. The speed of 4G networks promises to be in the range of 100 Mbps and higher. According to the Fourth-Generation Mobile Forum, companies will have invested more than $30 billion in 4G by the end of 2003. That’s a huge investment when companies are still trying to determine when 3G will be here and what it will offer. In fact, part of the reason that 4G technologies were and are being developed is due to the lag in the implementation of 3G networks. Although it’s difficult to fully determine what applications will be offered by 4G, it’s sure to provide a large number of opportunities such as real-time video and virtually any real-time application. In the next section, we’ll discuss one of the hottest topics in the wireless industry today,the wireless local area network.

Taken From : Enterprise Guide to Gaining Business Value from Mobile Technologies

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