The 4G Portal.com

"After many, many years of promoting the goodness that was pioneering 3G and 4G, I have retired from..."

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:01:51 +0100

“

After many, many years of promoting the goodness that was pioneering 3G and 4G, I have retired from this endeavour.

I can be found reblogging the fun that is - mobile social networking - or - mobsconet - as I christened it.

”

- Visit ‘Mobile Social Networking’ NEWS - here

4G mobile broadband could be some way off for UK

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:45:11 +0100

4G mobile broadband could be some way off for UK:

New, fourth-generation (4G) mobile broadband technologies are already in development, but could be delayed in the UK until 2012. That is according to PC Pro, which explained that deployments of Long Term Evolution and other new mobile broadband technologies are already beginning in the US, Europe and China. However, the UK has been slow off the mark and will not be able to participate in any of its own schemes until the 900MHz band of spectrum currently owned by Vodafone and O2 is redistributed by the government, the website reports.

LTE activity gathering pace

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:43:33 +0100

LTE activity gathering pace:

Wireless internet access is going to be a better, richer experience than fixed link access Professor Michael Walker, group R&D director at Vodafone told Wireless 2.0 conference in Bristol, organised by Silicon South-West. “People think wireless can’t compete with fixed link, but it can”, said Walker, pointing out that the 100Mbit/s of FTTH is the same as the theoretical maximum throughput of LTE. “LTE capacity on 20MHz is an order of magnitude higher than HSPA,” said Walker. He said that, “in the first real field trials,” average downlink speeds of 15Mbit/s, with 4.5 spectral efficiency, were achieved. “Wimax takes three times more spectrum”, he said. “We decided with LTE that we would make sure the technology works before we buy spectrum,” said Walker. To that end, Vodafone has been working with China Mobile and Verizon to make sure LTE has compatible standards.

UK 2.6 GHz auction pushed back again, to 2010

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:42:43 +0100

UK 2.6 GHz auction pushed back again, to 2010:

The UK, once set to be the first European country to auction 2.6 GHz spectrum for ‘4G’ services, is delaying its spectrum sale yet again. In November, regulator Ofcom indicated it hoped to award licenses by mid-2009, and in April it said it promised to hold the auction “as soon as possible”. Now it has “withdrawn” that statement and, in the wake of the new Digital Britain report recommendations, will bundle the 2.6 GHz and digital dividend spectrum sales into one super-auction next year. The delay is a further blow for operators that had hoped to steal an early march in mobile broadband, especially those aiming to challenge the cellular incumbents, possibly with a WiMAX network. While a few countries, notably Sweden, have sold 2.6 GHz licenses, most auctions will take place in 2010, as operators create strategies that also take account of the sale of analog TV spectrum around 800 MHz; possible broadband stimulus initiatives in some markets; and the ruling, by many regulators, that 3G services can be expanded using current GSM frequencies around 900 MHz.

Witness the 4G Wireless Evolution

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:42:01 +0100

Witness the 4G Wireless Evolution:

One of the most exciting parts of my job is to explore new technologies with my readers and attendees at live events. By now you probably know TMC produces the 4GWE conference in partnership with Crossfire Media — a company where Carl Ford is an integral part of building a number of communications communities. If you aren’t aware of Carl, he is a thought-leader in the telecom space having spent years developing leading edge content as part of the VON events of years past. The first 4GWE event we produced drew hundreds of attendees from around the globe and was extremely successful. We have collaborated and improved th conference quite a bit and in addition we have added a number of great new media partners and sponsors. Thanks to all of you for your support and I am looking forward to greeting the wireless industry at this show… It will certainly be very exciting considering the growth potential 4G wireless solutions have.

On the Road to 4G

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:59:37 +0100

On the Road to 4G:

While the top-of-the-line smartphones of today rely on third-generation wireless networks, carriers are looking ahead to 4G networks, which will facilitate even faster data transfers to and from wireless devices. WiMax and LTE are two of the more talked-about technologies, but their development paths are vary and they may end up doing different jobs. Though most major U.S. wireless carriers today tout the ubiquity of their third-generation, or 3G, wireless networks, they are simultaneously planning for the future, pushing the development of fourth-generation (4G) networks that they hope we’ll all be using in a matter of years. Two of the best-known 4G technologies now on the horizon are WiMax, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access; and LTE, or Long Term Evolution. However, these two different technologies will likely take different paths in their development and eventually be used for different applications.

Bright future of 4G

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:59:08 +0100

Bright future of 4G:

So far we came across the term 3G, because it is the latest wireless technology that is in use today in many parts of US as well in many other developed nations. The many analysis going on regarding 3G and its advancement of 4G and 5G between the group of scientists in IEEE communication society. The basic idea behind this 3G is to augment good old TDM voice with broadband data. So far the international association of wireless telecommunication industry CTIA estimates that only 80% of the penetration is possible as the data need to be the engine of growth if voice market saturated. But 4G will provide both voice and data together under IP umbrella hence extension around wireline to wireless is possible with IP. If we are potentially talking about the 5G we can have the maximum throughput of 100 Mbps or more but in case of 4G we can look up to 300Mbps without lose as LTE is going to be the 4G technology of choice.

Ease of WiMAX Migration to 4G Technology: Myth or Reality?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:19:09 +0100

Ease of WiMAX Migration to 4G Technology: Myth or Reality?:

For those accustomed to a wireless interface, WiMAX (News - Alert) has long been the technology providing wireless transmission of data through a variety of transmission modes. Now, as the world of telecommunications is swiftly moving toward Long Term Evolution (LTE (News - Alert)) to adopt 4G mobile communications technology, a perceived battle between WiMAX and LTE could easily emerge.

3G or 4G? Parsing the economics of mobile broadband

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:30:57 +0100

3G or 4G? Parsing the economics of mobile broadband:

Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ, NYSE:VOD) is jumping into long-term evolution (LTE), launching its first networks this year, while AT&T (NYSE:T) is taking a little more time, planning its rollout in 2011 and upgrading its 3G network in the interim. In Japan, there’s a similar story. NTT DoCoMo (NYSE:DCM) is as gung ho over LTE as its Verizon, but Softbank Mobile appears to be in no hurry.

Nortel 4G patents may not be worth that much

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:29:54 +0100

Nortel 4G patents may not be worth that much:

Embattled Canadian vendor Nortel may have held on to some of its key LTE patents when it flogged much of its mobile business to Nokia Siemens Networks last month, but there is some debate as to whether that IPR will be the nice little earner Nortel hopes.

UK planning one big 4G spectrum auction in 2010

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:29:06 +0100

UK planning one big 4G spectrum auction in 2010:

At one point the UK was supposed to be the first European country to auction 2.6 GHz licenses for 4G service, but the plan is once again on hold, according to 4G Trends. Telecoms regulator Ofcom, after delaying the process before, had indicated back in November it was planning to award licenses by mid-2009 and in April said it would try to get the licenses auctioned as soon as possible. Now the regulatory plans to bundle the 2.6 GHz and digital dividend spectrum, which is similar to the 700 MHz band in the U.S., in one big auction next year.

Swiss Road to 4G: Construction Ahead

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:40:38 +0100

Swiss Road to 4G: Construction Ahead:

In late May, Switzerland’s Federal Communications Commission, or ComCom, renewed the mobile licenses of the nation’s three main operators, Swisscom, Orange and Sunrise, through 2013. In doing so, it laid some groundwork for the migration to 4G services over the next five to 10 years. But questions remain regarding exactly how Switzerland’s move to 4G will proceed. The original licenses, which had been granted for a 10-year period in 1998 for the provision of GSM services, had already been extended until late 2009. As a result of the license renewals, the Swiss spectrum map has been reshuffled, with Orange acquiring an equal share of 900MHz spectrum in exchange for scaling back its stake in the 1800MHz band. The 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz spectrum bands in Switzerland are now split equally among Swisscom, Orange and Sunrise. A fourth operator, In&Phone, continues to operate on a limited basis in the 1800MHz band under a 10-year license awarded in 2003.

Rush for 4G drives mobile telco spending

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:40:17 +0100

Rush for 4G drives mobile telco spending:

The race for 4G is pushing up global capital expenditure on mobile communications, according to new research. However, the US economy’s uncertain outlook in 2008 is prompting ABI Research to predict that North America’s mobile capital expenditure will remain flat this year. Advertisement Other regions will increase their capital expenditure commitments for new 2G/3G deployments or expansions, all-IP service discovery platform upgrades, soft-switch unified core systems and preparations for 4G.

Complex LTE IPR System

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:39:53 +0100

Complex LTE IPR System:

Progress since 2005 •ETSI has improved visibility of standards essential IPR across its membership •NGMN Ltd has produced indications of the total royalty burden of candidate technologies LTE & WiMAX •Placed IPR royalty rates in the middle of the next generation mobile economy debate •Raised the IPR discussions to the attention of the EU and other regulatory bodies •Built a legally sound platform of trusted collaboration among technology stakeholders

Ericsson in 4G talks with ME operators

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:36:16 +0100

Ericsson in 4G talks with ME operators:

Ericsson, the Swedish mobile phones and technology services provider, confirmed on Saturday it is negotiating with mobile operators in the Middle East to launch a next generation mobile broadband technology network in the region. 4G, also known as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), will enable operators to offer enhanced wireless broadband services as well as Internet TV, mobile video blogging, on-line video games and the mobile office environment. One of the most significant aspects of 4G, it is claimed, will be the mass capability to achieve “mobile broadband anytime anywhere”.

4G wireless Web in US

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:35:26 +0100

4G wireless Web in US:

COMCAST Corp, the largest US cable operator, said on Monday it is introducing a wireless service for subscribers to access the Web beyond their homes anywhere within the United States. The so-called fourth-generation (4G) wireless service, is the first execution of a partnership between Comcast, Clearwire Corp and other companies that use the emerging WiMax high-speed mobile technology. Many consumers already update their blogs and watch videos using their mobile phones. Cable companies such as Comcast and Time Warner Cable Inc do not want to become irrelevant by restricting subscriber access to the home.

Comcast Deploys WiMax 4G Broadband

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:35:04 +0100

Comcast Deploys WiMax 4G Broadband:

Comcast just became the wireless Internet vendor to beat by offering 4G wireless Internet in Portland, Oregon. Leveraging Clearwire’s WiMax network, this move leaves LTE (Long-Term Evolution), the competing technology, a step behind. The new service, called Comcast High-Speed 2go, offers speeds of up to 4Mbps. The Fast Pack Metro package is aggressively sold at an introductory rate of $49.99 a month, which also includes a 12Mbps home Internet service and a free Wi-Fi router. After the first year, the rate jumps to a still-competitive $73 per month. An additional $20 adds nationwide 3G data service to the package, provided by Sprint Nextel (the majority owner of Clearwire). Existing Comcast broadband customers can pick up the service for an additional $30 for local and $50 for nationwide.

Yota and Microsoft innovative 4G service receives industry recognition

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:15:33 +0100

Yota and Microsoft innovative 4G service receives industry recognition:

The device is the first GSM+Mobile WiMAX mobile phone to be launched in Russia and comes installed with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 software. It will be available to all Yota mobile customers, offering them innovative mobile services with faster connections to the same range of applications that they use on their computers in their homes and offices. The Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards reward the most innovative projects and initiatives undertaken by companies in the telecommunications industry. Around 250 industry leaders from around the world attend the ceremony every year, which was held at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London in 2009.

Ericsson in 4G talks with ME operators

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:14:54 +0100

Ericsson in 4G talks with ME operators:

Sprint to unveil HTC Hero and Samsung Android 4G handsets?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:14:25 +0100

Sprint to unveil HTC Hero and Samsung Android 4G handsets?:

The HTC Hero is all over the news and so is Samsung’s upcoming Android 4G phone. Well, the recent rumor in the market is that Sprint is all set to launch these Android powered devices very soon.