As the data rates in fixed access networks grow, the
improved performance and data rates enabled by 3G LTE are
crucial to the mobile operators who wish to compete with the
fixed networks. For this reason, the early commercial
availability of 3G LTE is of utmost importance to many
operators. Currently, it is expected that the first commercial
LTE launches would take place in the 2010-2012 timeframe.
But, as history has shown with GPRS, EDGE and W-CDMA,
network equipment and especially handsets can become
available a lot later than what should have been the case. For
this reason, both equipment vendors and mobile network
operators need to drive developments in both technical and
commercial spheres in order to achieve commercial
deployments of 3G LTE by 2010 or 2012 at the latest. As long
as the 3G LTE networks are deployed early enough, they
should be the first choice as the long-term solution of mobile
network evolution, while at the same time addressing the
growing competition provided by alternative wireless
technologies.