Advances and Trends in Wireless Technologies (Technical Insights)

As newer and faster data-based mobile services enter the wireless market, the demand for higher capacity augurs well for wideband code division multiplex access (WCDMA) technology. Currently the dominant 3G technology, WCDMA is the choice of operators globally because it is built on open standards and has great potential in terms of wide-ranging mobile multimedia and economies of scale. Using a new spectrum with a 5MHz carrier, WCDMA provides data rates that are 50 times higher than currently used global system for mobile communications (GSM) networks. It can handle up to 2 Mbps for local area access or 384 Kbps for wide area access. Operators worldwide are, therefore, expected to gradually evolve from GSM to WCDMA, a transition that can be achieved while re-using original investments in the GSM core network and existing 2G infrastructure.

This Technical Insights study discusses emerging technologies and their applications. It analyzes important technological trends that are likely to affect market size and growth. The study highlights recent developments, identifies potential commercial applications, and examines the critical factors that drive and challenge the market.