3G and LTE networks to kill 2G by 2015
- — 26 March, 2010 17:06
2G telephone technology will be phased out completely between 2010-15 to make way for the growing 3G and LTE networks, according to market analyst Ovum.
GSM networks are also predicted to be forced out, with Telstra making the first move to shut down its GSM services completely.
"Ovum estimates that 68 per cent of connections will be 3G by end 2010 and 94 per cent of connections will be 3G/LTE by the end of 2014," said Ovum analyst Nathan Burley.
Ovum identified the main focus for the major telcos as end-user data service quality in terms of throughput, coverage, latency and overall experience. The company claims wireless data will continue to grow but capacity, rather than speed, will be the major driver of further network investment.
Ovum has also speculated that an Australian telco may make a move to unlimited data options late in the 2010-15 period due to high levels of competition. The number of unlimited-based calling plans is also predicted to increase throughout this period. Rising mobile VoIP traffic has also made data capacity an issue, so consumer data caps are set to increase with volume-based pricing still applying.
Consumers can also expect smaller prices on more data in the growing competitive telecom market if Ovum's predictions are correct.
Sean
Wed 09/03/2011 - 22:55
i'll be looking forward to see 2g to get switched off and see 4g lte get switched on and if telstra wants to they can make the next g network duel band using the 850 mhz and 900 mhz it would be great for the iphone 4 and other quad band 3g phones or have 4g lte using it with the 1.8 ghz and 700 mhz 900 mhz that would be great in a lot of cities around australia and cell phones will work anywhere