Wireless future

Wireless future

There is to be more spectrum auctions for UK third-generation (3G) mobile technology in the frequency band of 2.6-gigahertz, further suggesting network operators desire to use the wireless medium instead of fixed-landline communications - computer internet access and standard telephones (PSTN) - for communications.

3G operators, apart from three.co.uk (3), only started marketing back end of 2005 for 3G devices and services. It has been said that many adults and youth do not understand what 3G is all about and why they need it over GSM. So the operators work is still cut out, unless of course like TACS analogue mobile telephones are phased out, users either used the new GSM digital technology, or used nothing at all.

I can only go on my own experience having been around wireless technologies and wireless evidence for 20 years and I have to say had I not been exposed to TACS (Total Access Communications Systems) and GSM (2G)/GPRS (2.5G) from their inceptions, I would be in the same position as those adults and youth today wondering why 3G could make my iPod or mini-nintendo game player potentially obsolete.

However, 3G has a competitor in 4G local wireless access (WiFi, WLAN etc). 4G has been making its presence felt, as it has gained alot of ground in parallel with 3G, and should add a further dimension to competition in the wireless access marketplace. For example, there is more flexibility with 4G, because it localises well for highspeed broadband. This can mean in the future, to protect against video, film, music and software piracy, devices will use DRM keys to allow devices to firstly obtain (virtual) live programs etc from the net, supplied over wireless broadband connection, and DRM keys to activate the programs etc once connected with the server, on a use-by-use basis . This is all well and good, but there is a potential for countries to lose sovereignty controls regarding virtual imports, as organisations that are off-shore or in third countries supplying services through a combination of backbone landlines and output through wireless access could dictate what a country (thus the citizen) may or may not use and where the veto of provision of service lies. As payment would be credit based (prepay), disputes or crime may make local legislation virtually redundant to combat them.

Interesting times ahead.....