3GSM Wrap-Up: Some Top Issues
Posted Feb 18th 2006 1:46PM by Brian White
Filed under: WiFi, Cellular, MAN - muni, Government, Business
There were several big rumblings at the 3GSM World Congress this past week. Some of the most intriguing ones
include:
- What is going on with
3G? Although HSDPA is considered more of a "3.5G" solution - due to its theoretical speeds - what is 3G
doing at this time, in Europe or anywhere else? Something that continues to stick with me is the question of "what
compelling content" will make these fast wireless networks be sold on the customer - what is the "value-add
proposition"? Are WiMax and other technologies in the works going to take over traditional cellular technology
with mobile broadband and wireless VoIP? How will the carriers cope and plan for this? What are they doing to protect
their business and existing heavily-invested business model?
- Why the "all of a
sudden" focus on Mobile TV? Because the equipment manufacturers are still looking for that one breakthrough
"killer app" that will continue to add consumer dollars into the mix as other purported revenue-bearing
"features" either slow down or flop - the gravy train has to continue somewhere. Nokia and Sony Ericsson
actually signed a partnership to concentrate on a Mobile TV standard. All the tens of billions spent on newer networks
and infrastructure has to be recovered somehow, and current music downloads and other things are underwhelming insofar
as customer adoption. The one shining light has been ringtones. So what is the second act? They are betting on Mobile
TV no doubt. If it's not 30fps with clear (even stereo) audio, then my take is that this will be a dud. The "herky
jerky" mobile TV solutions in place now are not worth a penny, although they are nice for a few days of novelty
use.
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