NEW YORK -- Just when 2.5G and 3G wireless networks are finally getting deployed in various markets, fourth generation or 4G systems are expected to be rolled out by this time next year--if not sooner, according to a new report from Visant Strategies Inc. here today.
4G cellular technologies could get deployed as early as mid-2003, by "forward-thinking" operators looking to leapfrog expensive and ineffective 3G systems, according to the New York-based market research firm.
4G are IP-based cellular systems offered from a several wireless vendors. A number of different 4G air interfaces are now being readied for beta deployments, according to the report.
In total, 4G digital I/P-based, high-speed cellular systems are anticipated to account for 14% of total mobile wireless data revenues in 2007, with 4G carriers realizing a total of 50 million subscribers by 2007, according to the report. Revenues from 4G infrastructure sales are anticipated to reach $5.3 billion during 2007, the report said.
3G is not dead in the water, however. For example, subscribers to W-CDMA-based services are expected to reach 90 million by 2007, mainly in Japan and Europe, according to the report.
And 4G is also not expected to displace wireless local area networks (WLANs). WLAN enabled hot spots will generate approximately $12 billion in revenues in 2007, according to the report.
"Wi-Fi's threat to 3G is not fully realized until it is coupled with existing 2.5G technologies such as GPRS. Together these technologies can provide wide coverage at roughly analog modem speeds and fast data rates in areas with heavy user traffic," the report said.
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