4G Wireless
4G, the world's next generation wireless system will allow interoperability between services providers, open device connectivity, potentially fewer base stations, and up to 100 Mbps per second download speeds.
The FCC recently auctioned off 1000 700 MHZ spectrum licenses. Among the top bidders were AT&T, Verizon, and Google. AT&T and Verizon were the top bidders; however, Google was there driving the bids and embracing open access principles. AT&T reportedly aquired 227 licenses in the B block for a total price of $6.6 Billion and Verizon spend $9.4 Billion on 109 licenses. While Verizon purchases licenses in the A and B blocks, its big win was in the C block. The C block must be open to all devices and applications. Sound familiar? Verizon is indeed following in Google's footsteps - pursuing open interoperability and enlisting every open source developer. This is a stark contrast from their previous position - one in which they controlled every device on their network. According to Verizon wireless executives, "Not only will third parties be
able to connect a wide range of devices to Verizon's current CDMA and
upcoming LTE networks, they'll be able to act
as wholesalers and define their own service plans".
As of today, several of the major telecommunications electronics companies are working on 700 Mhz technologies; namely Ericcson.
Reports of network interoperability are already surfacing. And even more interesting, 100 Mbps speeds on the wireless network will most assuredly put the DSL and Cable model companies completely out of the market. 10 Years ago, many minds in academia were projecting the convergence of telecommunications and the internet. And here we find ourself - only a few years away.
As of today, several of the major telecommunications electronics companies are working on 700 Mhz technologies; namely Ericcson.
Reports of network interoperability are already surfacing. And even more interesting, 100 Mbps speeds on the wireless network will most assuredly put the DSL and Cable model companies completely out of the market. 10 Years ago, many minds in academia were projecting the convergence of telecommunications and the internet. And here we find ourself - only a few years away.
