A3.8 More capable network – user experience improvement

A3.8 More capable network – user experience improvement

Present mobile communication systems have evolved by continually adding additional system capabilities and enhancements, and the user will see a significant increase in capability through the future development of IMT-2000. IMT-Advanced will be realized by functional fusion of existing, enhanced and newly developed elements of IMT-2000, nomadic wireless access systems and other wireless systems with high commonality and seamless interworking.

One obvious condition required for the mobile broadband take off is a favorable environment, and most importantly a suitable network infrastructure. Although mobile Internet started with the emergence of EDGE devices, which made browsing the Web more comfortable, the provision of adequate connection speeds was and remains crucial for a satisfactory browsing experience.

The latest technology being deployed by operators encompass technologies with theoretical connection speed ranging between 3.6 Mbps and 100 Mbps, which is close to DSL-type wired networks. IMT coverage has increased over recent years but is heterogeneous, depending on the country. Indeed, the first areas with mobile broadband coverage were cities where the density of population is highest. Other areas are now being covered and refarming enable operators to use the 900 MHz band, which offers larger cell radius than the 2.1 GHz band.

Figure A3.9

With IMT-2000 networks emerging on the global scene, the volume of compatible handset sales started to take off in the third quarter of 2007. According to IDATE estimates, 37 million units were sold in 2008 which represents 3.1% of all handsets, and up from 1.2% in 2007.