27 Nov 2012

4G Mobile Networks

Briefing to Broadband Update Conference

Simon Kinder MBE MSc BSc

Simon Kinder 27 Nov 2012

Background• 1G – Original Mobile Phone system introduced in

80s:• Analogue voice, digital switching

• 2G – Digital Version of 1G introduced early 90s:• Initially provided limited data through SMS messaging• GPRS introduced to provide packet switched data service (56-115kb/s) in

parallel to voice service to support WAP and MMS

• 3G – Upgraded 2G using different radio frequencies introduced (to UK) in 2003:

• Data rates over 2Mb/s possible – smart phones, ‘Mobile Broadband’.• Auction of required radio spectrum raised £22.5 billion in UK but led to high

‘debt to asset ratio’ in telecoms providers.

Simon Kinder 27 Nov 2012

4G – 4th Generation Standard

• ITU Standard defined 2009.• Internet Protocol (IP) based – no separate voice and

data networks.• Predominantly a data network but can support Voice

over IP.• Data rates of ‘up to’ 1Gb/s static (100Mb/s mobile).• Requires different radio spectrum to 3G – and

changes to infrastructure.

Simon Kinder 27 Nov 2012

4G – 4th Generation Delivery

• No current commercially available technology can meet full 4G standard:

• Closest currently LTE (planned UK) and WiMAX (US Sprint) – likely to be marketed as ‘4G’.

• LTE data rates up to 300Mb/s.

• UK development lagging rest of world:• Ofcom has delayed radio spectrum auction until end 2012.• 02 trial in Slough started 2009, now extended to London -

35Mb/s to 90 Mb/s download speeds reported• Everything Everywhere/BT trial in Cornwall started Oct 2011

using 4G routers and dongles.

Simon Kinder 27 Nov 2012

Conclusion

• 4G standard promises mobile wireless high speed broadband access with theoretical speeds of up to1Gb/s;

But:• UK service roll-out not possible until 2013.• 3G HPSA+ provides theoretical speeds up to 21Mb/s

(4-8Mb/s in practice from ‘3’) – upgrading 3G networks may be cheaper for Telco’s in short term.