4G Revisited. The continued evolution of wireless mobility.

4G Revisited
The continued evolution of wireless mobility.
Corporate Headquarters iPass Inc. www.ipass.com 3800 Bridge Parkway +1 650-232-4100 Redwood Shores, CA 94065 USA +1 650-232-0227 fx TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract 3 
Introduction 3 
Do we really need something better than 3G? 3 
What is 4G? 4 Will one standard win out over the other? ................................................................................................ 4 WiMAX in action ....................................................................................................................................... 4 LTE in action ............................................................................................................................................. 5 
Managing costs 6 
What should you do? 6 
Conclusion 6 
Learn more about 4G technology 7 
About iPass 7 
4G Revisited: The continued evolution of wireless mobility. ©2009 iPass Inc. Page 2
4 G R e v i s i t e d T H E C O N T I N U E D E V O L U T I O N O F W I R E L E S S M O B I L I T Y .
Abstract This white paper examines the two leading 4G technologies and the current status of deployed 4G networks. It continues with advice on managing long-term 4G costs. The paper concludes with a discussion of next steps and our position.
Introduction A few short years after 3G service brought us anytime, anywhere broadband-and before Apple rolled out its 3G iPhone-4G networks began raising the bar in select markets. This latest evolution in wireless networking offers faster wireless data transmission speeds, vastly superior coverage and support for a new generation of mobile applications and services.
Do we really need something better than 3G? Some still question the timing of deploying 4G. The weak global economy presents very real challenges. Moreover, few if any carriers have recouped the significant investment they poured into their 3G networks. So do we really need another wireless technology? Most industry analysts and economists say yes. The GSM Association expects the mobile industry to experience continued growth in usage, despite the recession, and to provide stimulus for the global economy. Many governments believe the time is right for wireless investment as well, as evidenced by China's Wireless Cities Initiative and wireless infrastructure projects in the Asia Pacific region and across Europe. In fact, the European Union is currently investing ? 1 billion to create new jobs, promote business growth and help rural areas get ionline. The U.S. Government's IT and broadband stimulus investment is one of the largest single iiinvestments supporting 4G. In their Spring 2009 research paper , Alan Pearce and Michael S. Pagano estimate that "new wireless broadband investments of $17.4 billion will, within twenty four months of making this additional investment, increase gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.9% to 1.3%, which translates in dollar terms to $126.3 billion to $184.1 billion, and will result in an increase of between 4.5 million and 6.3 million jobs." According to research conducted by AT&T and Accenture, the top three benefits of wireless enablement include increased productivity, reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction. In addition, faster, more available wireless access made possible by 4G technologies will help users address changing mobility dynamics: „ Consumers and mobile workers have become increasingly dependent on mobile broadband for productivity and convenience. „ More people continue to work outside the traditional office setting. Industry analysts estimate that the mobile workforce could exceed 800 million in 2009, and these workers spend as much as 40 percent of their time away from their desks.
4G Revisited: The continued evolution of wireless mobility. ©2009 iPass Inc. Page 3
„ Customers expect constant accessibility and responsiveness-whether mobile workers are in or out of the office. „ Emerging Internet applications such as VoIP, virtual collaboration, and rich video and audio content such as Webcasts, training and business presentations demand increasing amounts of bandwidth.
What is 4G? 4G is the next evolution in wireless broadband connectivity, designed primarily for data transport versus voice networks ... [download for more]