At a time when operators are looking forward to deliver more value to the end users, 4G intends to change the scheme for user and telco network relationship. As 4G will bring in more media rich applications, videos and bandwidth intensive content, it is surely expected to bring operators another notch closer to their customer bases.
The ‘Always ON’ character of 4G will provide the service with the most suitable network to a device. Driving broadband connectivity in all types of consumer devices is a goal of 4G way of communication. Additionally, with 4G coming into picture, there will be many more devices connected to the network. A typical 4G scenario is set to incorporate the following network scenarios –
Fixed (with, DSL, cable, fiber) — fixed wireline networks.
Cellular (with WiMAX) — highly-mobile users
Personal (with Bluetooth) — cars, cell phones, smartphones, and other IoT scenarios
Hot-spot (with Wi-Fi) — restaurants, coffee shops, planes, trains
The Road to 4G Globally as well as in India, there’s been quite an extensive debate about the definition of real “4G” service. A number of operators have marketed WiMax, LTE and HSPA+ as 4G services, however, there is a different definition of 4G as per the ITU.
Definition of 4G
In March 2008, the International Telecommunications Union-Radio communications sector (ITU-R) specified a set of requirements for 4G standards, named the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-Advanced) specification, setting peak speed requirements for 4G service at 100 megabits per second (Mbit/s) for high mobility communication (such as from trains and cars) and 1 gigabit per second (Gbit/s) for low mobility communication (such as pedestrians and stationary users).
As operators embrace for the next generation of communication, 4G is set to bring in a new area of device and rather ‘things’ driven network infrastructure. Concepts such as Internet of Things or IoT will be driven to a whole new level and create better synergies between user groups and operators.
Whether it is an enterprise looking for risk free connectivity or an end user looking for better and faster speeds – 4G is set to herald a whole new era in modern day communications.
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