In the latest report from Informa Telecoms & Media, SUPER 3G: EVOLVING UMTS, the report examines the requirements for 3.99G - also known as Evolved UMTS or Super 3G - and lifts the lid on the standards work that needs to be done to address the uncertainty.

“There is concern within the leading wireless operators and manufacturers that the mass market take-up of mobile triple play could cause havoc on existing infrastructure if they do not act today,” said report author, Nick Lane. “WCDMA has been nothing short of a disappointment. Though HSDPA will deliver true 3G applications, if these high-speed services are adopted by consumers in significant numbers, HSDPA networks will become congested. The need to progress the wireless networks is here today.” Nick Lane, Author

As HSDPA implementation commences in during 2005 and throughout 2006, followed by HSUPA in late-2006 to 2007, the world’s leading mobile operators and manufacturers are already casting doubts on WCDMA’s mid-term effectiveness.

WCDMA/HSDPA networks run the risk of saturation/congestion if there is rapid 3G take-up over the next two years ahead of the expected mobile data service mass-market acceptance in 2008 driven by triple play.

The pressure is on. The 3GPP is now looking at the required specifications for Evolved UMTS to reduce the cost-per-bit while undergoing a vast spectral-efficiency improvement. By increasing the bandwidth up to 10MHz, Super 3G can offer throughput of 30Mbps in the wide area and more than 100Mbps in the local area. Evolved UMTS standardisation work is scheduled for completion by June 2007.

For Evolved UMTS to be successful it will require a complete overhaul of existing standards procedures if the tight deadlines set by the 3GPP members are to be adhered to.

The ideal solution would be for each 3GPP group member to focus on one allocated aspect to avoid needless repetition and a scenario where several companies are pushing competing solutions. This would require the 3GPP to take a stronger lead in pushing through the standardisation, testing and validation process and ensuring companies do not stray from their agenda. With so many companies involved in the Evolved UMTS process, there is a danger that vendors develop multiple OFDM-based technologies, so everyone tries to get their own IPRs (intellectual property rights) and so slows down the standardisation process.

The report, based on comprehensive access to 3GPP documentation,and exclusive interviews with key companies, concludes that whatever the route taken to tackle Super 3G, one likely impact is that it will significantly delay 4G.

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