The next vogue in communications technology across the globe is touted to be
4G-though a clear definition of the concept by International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) is still elusive. The reason for this hype is its accelerated data
transmission rate, which will provide end users with services like wireless
broadband access, MMS, mobile TV, digital video broadcasting, video chat, high
definition TV among others, on an anytime-anywhere basis. Official rollout of 4G
services is expected to be in the 2010-12 timeframe.
The 4G Working Group has defined objectives of a minimum 4G standard
comprising: a spectrally efficient system; high network capacity; a nominal data
transmission rate of 100 Mbps for mobile phones and 1 Gbps for fixed category;
smooth handoff across heterogeneous networks; high quality, high-end multimedia
services; interoperability with existing wireless standards; and an all-IP
packet switched network. The expectation of the telecom industry is that
technologies like LTE, UMB, and IEEE 802.16m WiMax will primarily form the 4G
wireless communications category.
Gaining Momentum
The level of Ketai or mobile phone penetration in Japan, exhibits the
country's efforts to be a pioneer in communications technology with high-speed
networks. Japanese wireless communication services provider NTT DoCoMo has been
carrying out intensive research to erect a 4G architecture. In an outdoor
environment, the company's R&D team has already managed to transmit data at
close to 5 Gbps to a receiver moving at 10 kmph, achieving another milestone
toward 4G technology. South Korean wireless carriers have already pumped over
$5.4 bn into developing nationwide networks HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet
Access). While the West is happy with 3G, Japan and South Korea are zooming
ahead into the 4G world.
Nortel has already partnered with major universities across the world to
develop new innovations toward 4G. In its bid to promote interoperability across
WiMax devices and applications for global connectivity, the company has already
announced the opening of its Center of Excellence-WiMax 4G Ecosystem in Taipei,
adding to the 4G momentum.
4G for India?
It still seems too early to look at 4G possiblities in India. But if China
can decide to move to 4G skipping 3G, why can't we? The argument favoring the
move is that since 3G is not found to be as cost-effective as 4G, it can enable
wireless broadband access for rural masses at reasonable cost. While the
spectrum scarcity has led to a virtual war among Indian telcos, 4G, with its
high spectral efficiency, will be a boon for them.
According to the telecom performance report released by TRAI, mobile Internet
subscribers (46.37 mn) were more than the wireline Internet subscribers (9.63 mn)
at the end of September 2007, and the trend is growing. So, while there is a
huge revenue potentiali for mobile wireless in India, it remains to be seen how
feasible it is to take high-end services like mobile TV, video sharing, and
video chat to rural Indians who are neither tech-savvy nor road warriors.
Kannan K
kannan@cybermedia.co.in
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