The biggest challenge for wireless operators during the next four years most likely will be obtaining additional spectrum, according to Keith Radousky, director of engineering, BellSouth Cellular Corp. “(Wireless) data is going to take off similar to how it took off in the wireline world,” predicted Radousky. “The question will be how many bits of data can I push through in every hertz of spectrum I’ve got. We’re not going to keep up for the demand and thirst for data. The only solution is going to be to get more spectrum to feed the massive amount of data.”
He notes that third-generation migration paths for TDMA, CDMA and GSM include more spectrum efficiencies, but it may not be enough. “3G is primarily focused on data, but the reality is that [3G technologies are] not going to move fast enough without creating more spectrum.”
Radousky also predicts there will be a significant amount of voice-over-IP announcements at World Telecom 2003. Because of its spectrum efficiency, he sees packet data as the wireless data technology of the future. Applications that will drive widespread use of data include government and business employees who need data in the field, security systems for homes and automobiles, e-mail and downloading information from a PC while a user is away from the office, according to Radousky.
BellSouth is involved in development of a “world phone” that will merge GSM and TDMA technologies. Several operators and manufacturers are working on the product, through the GSM ANSI 136 Interoperability Team (GAIT), which should be available in the second half of 2000. “It will be more cost effective than satellite systems and cover virtually 100 percent of the world,” he said.-Sandra Wendelken in Denver, United States
