CAMBRIDGE, U.K.-A plethora of emerging technologies is forcing mobile operators in Europe to make difficult investment choices, according to a new report from Analysys.
Operators that have deferred the launch of third-generation W-CDMA services must now consider whether to invest in other technologies while consumers wait for W-CDMA. Analysys includes EDGE; wireless local area network; broadband wireless technologies from companies including Arraycomm, Flarion and Navini; and standards like 802.16e and 802.20 as options for operators interested in emulating a 3G experience.
In addition, Analysys suggests operators that do invest in advanced technologies now may need to consider whether 3G will be necessary at all. “If mobile operators continue to focus on services like messaging and `small-screen’ browsing, W-CDMA may not be needed at all,” said Mark Heath of Analysys. However, Analysys also suggested W-CDMA offers benefits operators will not likely want to miss out on. For instance, the technology’s low cost and quality of service could allow wireless to further compete with fixed-line voice services.
