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Nov. 12, 2008

In the fast-moving industry of wireless and mobile phone communications, it seems that all the excitement is on 4G technologies.

Today, much higher-capacity networks based on Internet Protocol standards are being built that will support wireless broadband speeds of up to 100 megabits per second and more.

As far as technical specifications are concerned, and while there is no clear definition yet for such 4G networks, some experts think the winner could be LTES (Long Term Evolution Standard). So far, LTES has gained some notoriety by many major wireless players, both in the U.S. as well as abroad.

However, making the move to LTE technology will require more than just a quick migration for wireless carriers.

Chris Pearson, head of the industry group 3G Americas says "in order to get LTE technology working properly, wireless providers need to upgrade their current equipment to new infrastructure."

Pearson notes that antennas will play a big part in LTE implementation. He recommends mobile phone carriers install MIMO (multiple input multiple output) equipment, saying that it will allow for multiple paths of radio access technology that will bridge to the device and back to the base station more efficiently.

So far, AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless have said that they will be moving in the LTE direction. But as Verizon Wireless is a CDMA provider and AT&T Mobility is on the GSM side, their transition paths will be different or at least take place at a different rate.

Initially, GSM carriers will probably take the step to upgrade to HSPA+. This will "add life" to their existing 3G equipment. Some Canadian CDMA operators such as Rogers and Telus have already said they will implement HSPA first, even before going to LTE.

"For CDMA operators, it won't be a good idea to add an extra step into the equation. Verizon Wireless is an example. It has chosen to go directly to LTE with no in-between technology upgrades," says Phil Marshall, analyst with the Yankee Group.

“Wireless carriers should try and jump before the competition in bringing LTE technology as fast as they can to the market,” Marshall added.

But for GSM carriers, the extra step might make some sense. “You can increase your technology performance without adding the hardware,” Pearson said.

He added “if I was a mobile service provider and was on the GSM path, I’d run through the HSPA path for sure. The upgrade will be less costly for HSPA+ and it will offer a longer and more financially satisfying transition.”

Pearson closed by saying “wireless operators want to ensure that anything they’re buying today will offer LTE tomorrow. They need to make sure that these networks work well and operate efficiently together, not just now, but for many years to come.”

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Source: 3G Americas.