Chapter 7: 4G Hype: Time for a reality check{0}
4G Hype: Time for a reality check
Stephanie Mehta’s article entitled 4G Hype: Time for a reality check written for CNNMoney.com is about the hype of the new 4G networks being advertised. It starts out by talking about how Verizon Wireless has gotten back data on the development of a 4G network. It is a new generation of radio upgrades that will improve the throughput and capacity of wireless phone networks. It is supposed to “breathe new life into wireless internet”. It is supposed to bring peak downlink speeds of 10 Mbps.
The argument being made is that it is very little different than the 3G network. Other companies are touting the 4G network that they are coming up with as well. Like the 3G network, it will take a long time for the 4G network to take root and actually mean something for consumers. The argument is that companies now are just beginning to see revenue from the 3G networks that they were so excited about advertising. New technologies like the iPhone are not even using a 3G network yet.
Companies are still years away from fully developing 4G and even 3G networks. 3G coverage is even still spotty in the U.S. They are supposed help with data overload and improve download speed. The networks are mentioned in the textbook as being current when they really are far from it. In ‘reality’, the hyped networks are not near full and advertised use for businesses. If wireless companies expect a return on their investment, they need to finish what they started.
Mehta, S. (2009) 4G Hype: Time for a reality check, CNNMoney.com. Retrieved October 8, 2009, from http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/08/18/4g-hype-time-for-a-reality-check/