Ready or Not, Here Comes 4G
While we are just warming to third-generation data services, wireless
companies are already looking forward to 4G, which promises even faster
speeds. The question remains, however, if faster speeds will equal
greater interest that has so far failed to materialize.
Samsung is heading this effort, and held a 4G mobile conference in
South Korea this week. The company claims its next-generation technology
that would allow mobile data at 100 MBps, with fixed data rates
exceeding one gigabyte per second.
Although Samsung hasn't provided many specifics on exactly how the
technology works, such rates would qualify its service as true
fourth-generation technology based on standards set by the International
Telecommunications Union.
In demonstrations, the technology was able to transfer a movie in
about five seconds, and 100 songs in a little over two seconds. Another
simulation would cram 32 high-definition television channels, Internet
access, and video telephony into a single 4G signal, the company said.
In addition to showing off its data speed capabilities, the
Korea-based wireless company would also show off its work that would
allow towers to pass off a call at speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour
(37 mph). While that may seem slow, it is a start for technology that
still seems to be many years away from being a reality.
Only one US network, Sprint, has announced plans to migrate to 4G.
That company's path would employ WiMAX technology, and would cover about
85 percent of the top 100 markets when completed. That network is
expected to go live over the next two years.
Sprint's network will not truly be "4G" in the sense of the network
itself, as the WiMAX signal would likely be used for data only; whereas
Samsung's network would be fully next-generation from the ground up.
The company did not disclose what technology it planned to use for
the network, be it CDMA or GSM, or some completely new variant. Spectrum
for 4G will be allocated in 2007, with the first networks appearing
around the start of the next decade.
But is 4G truly needed? Many analysts seem to question the industry's
moves. Some consider 3G to be a failure, and too technology driven,
while others noted that the high-speed technology has barely gotten off
the ground
(news source: betanews.com) |