Hi, Mike - I'm not sure if the following remarks fit in the context of your discussion.
I've been following the mobile/fixed wireless "last mile" solutions for a while now, and a number of solutions are appearing from various vendors. However, in the area of mobile communications, it seems to me that a change in thinking has occured.
If I understand correctly, the thinking is that most users would prefer to have one wireless device, and only one. That preferred device would be their cell phone.
What I think is happening is that there is now an effort to cram as much functionality into the phone as it can possibly hold. A corollary to that is the necessity of developing of multifunction ASICs, that incorparate all the discrete elements into one package. Another corollary is a directional change in infrastructure development (and investment). My understanding is that the optimal solution is to develop broadband wireless infrastructure and apps that can piggyback on the installed cellphone repeaters - eliminating the need for costly duplication of infrastructure. I read a reference to using WOFDM with EDGE that would give download speeds of ~ 2 Mb/sec., upload speeds ~ 380 Kb/sec. The preferred spectrum is 5 GHz and below, especially including PCS bands, using OFDM; however, others, like Adaptive Broadband, have implemented COFDM solutions in mobile apps at much higher frequencies.
I am no propellerhead when it comes to this stuff, and would appreciate correction - but that's my take on it.
In the fixed wireless area, my understanding is that CSCO is working flatout to bring its VOFDM implementation to market, and that their target is the MCI and Sprint market. Wi-LAN and Telia, it is thought, will make a debut in the US with WOFDM. It is unclear how the OFDM standard will evolve, and who will gravitate to what flavor.
Given the probable evolution of broadband wireless at these lower frequencies, with a heightened resistance to multipath problems, it is unclear to me what the effect will be on spectrum purchases at higher frequencies. The sub-5 GHz bands (PCS), using existing repeater locations, also offer solutions to problems such as penetration of glass, walls, and overcoming line-of-sight issues.
Anyway, Dave Horne made an excellent post on the subject of mobile wireless, towers, repeaters and all- here's the link:
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