In the most extensive white paper on mobile broadband to date, author Peter Rysavy writes that the 3GPP roadmap to High Speed Packet Access evolution (HSPA) offers “a tremendous opportunity” to operators deploying on the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) standard. The paper, HSPA to LTE-Advanced: 3GPP Broadband Evolution to IMT-Advanced (4G), was created collaboratively with Rysavy Research by the member organizations of 3G Americas and is available for free download at 3G Americas’ website.
The white paper also reports that 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) has become the “next-generation platform of choice” for operators using GSM/HSPA and Code Division Multiple Access/One Carrier Evolved, Data Optimized (CDMA/EV-DO).
Ericsson estimates that by 2014 there will be over 3 billion broadband subscriptions worldwide and of which approximately 2/3 will be powered by mobile broadband (HSPA/LTE). Mobile Broadband (HSPA) has become the most widely deployed and adopted 3G technology ever, with over 280 commercial HSPA networks in almost 120 countries offering a wide variety of services. Furthermore, many more operators have committed to deploying HSPA in the near the future.
Chris Pearson, president of 3G Americas, says that HSPA is revealing the full potential of mobile broadband applications and services. “Upon this growing HSPA mobile broadband foundation, development and persistent innovation will continue with the deployment of LTE, providing enhanced data throughput speeds and all-IP network capabilities.”
Hans Ovesen, vice president of Industry Relations and Marketing at Ericsson, says that this growth reflects a greater understanding among consumers that with HSPA they can use their mobile devices in many of the same ways they use their PC. Already there are 1600 HSPA-enabled devices on the market, he says.
“Ericsson’s success in providing Mobile Broadband based on HSPA proves the importance of a scale-driven industry ecosystem,” Ovesen says. “Competition and customer choice enables a better quality of life as they gain access to communication anywhere, anytime.”
The white paper reports that the HSPA roadmap offers operators a strategic advantage over other technologies. Operators can extend the life of their HSPA infrastructure investment and significantly enhance HSPA performance by exploiting available radio technologies, such as multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) and continuous packet connectivity. Some options, such as dual-carrier reception and higher-order modulation, are simply network software upgrades, Rysavy writes.
Ovesen says: “The Rysavy research report published by 3G Americas again underlines the importance of understanding the facts behind the wireless technologies that shape the daily and working lives of millions around the world.”
At the Mobile Broadband World event September 23 to 25 in London, visitors can hear from Ericsson’s experts about how the company’s expertise in Mobile Broadband can help operators significantly enhance network performance and extend the life of their investment. Ericsson is a Gold Sponsor and will demonstrate HSPA services at the event. Magnus Ewerbring, Director and Head of WCDMA Radio Access Networks will discuss the continuing evolution of Mobile Broadband.
