Forget 3G - here comes 4G

Barcelona - 3GPP Long Term Evolution (or "LTE" to its friends) is a set of next-generation cellular technologies that will replace current 3G technology used for mobile internet connectivity and improve on cellular standards in general.

LTE should also bring high-speed mobile broadband with speeds that eclipse what is currently available from terrestrial solutions in South Africa.

Joseph Cozzolino, general manager of Motorola's home and networks mobility unit for the EMEA region, says that while LTE is emerging as the dominant 4G network technology, there is still a lot of work to be done before it goes to market. For one, the technology must physically scale down in size - at the moment LTE modems are the size of a lunchbox.

"We're talking about 2012 before affordable, mass-market devices will be available," says Cozzolino, speaking at the Mobile World Congress 2009.

Until LTE is ready, Cozzolino believes that WiMAX will serve as a stop-gap solution. WiMAX is available, proven and already in use elsewhere. However, WiMAX is more of a fixed-mobile technology whereas LTE is developing as a truly mobile solution.

"WiMAX will have its day in South Africa. It's more cost effective for players to roll out WiMAX right now. But LTE is on the way and there are good reasons for governments like South Africa's to be interested," he says.

"There is a strong association with GDP and broadband penetration. Governments want to facilitate the growth of broadband as much as possible because of the effect it has on the economy. We're seeing this in the USA."

While LTE's use for data connectivity is a given, it remains to be seen when voice will make the jump onto next-generation cellular technologies. In much of the world, GSM is still used as a standard for voice, with the exception of Japan where most voice calls are routed over 3G technology.

GSM is a 2G technology and according to Motorola's senior vice-president Fred Wright, the company continues to do good business in the space. 2G technologies are cheaper than ever.

"However, GSM business is flat to declining," he adds.

Motorola had a working demonstration of LTE with a network it built especially for the event in Barcelona. The network was used to connect a van driving around the city and stream HD video both to and from the van.

Other cellular infrastructure providers such as Ericsson and China's Huawei also had LTE on display in Barcelona and the competition for contracts in the market will soon heat up.

*Dingle attended the Mobile World Congress as a guest of Motorola.