Chaz; I know the question was addressed to Eric, but I would like to make a couple of points in response.
I am sure NTT DoCoMo can wait, their "i-mode" service has helped them reclaim the initiative.
You are right that WCDMA can't be described as GSM, however, this simple fact is overlooked or just not understood. One of the reasons for the success of GSM was its specifications. WCDMA utilises these, i.e., most of it apart from the air-interface. GSM describes the backbone not just the (TDMA) air-interface. Now that is the point, when you realise that, then you would then realise that the air-interface part is actually not THE major component. The GSM kit that is being deployed today from most of the manufacturers will basically need a software upgrades to complete most of the migration to WCDMA. However the WCDMA transceiving part will have to be deployed.
As for WCDMA terminals, you obviously were not at Geneva last October. The Japanese companies are quite far ahead in terminal development...the one that struck me most was from NEC. From handheld to a communication portal with Bluetooth connectivity to a video conferencing unit (each would fit in your shirt pocket).
As you well know, there is currently no WCDMA commercial operation anywhere in the world. And just to make sure that we don't get into the vapour ware syndrome. WCDMA is supported by more manufacturers than a competing technology we know well. Personally, I have used WCDMA systems by 5 different suppliers. Yes it does work, and if you are a GSM operator it still provides the best to the ultimate destination, mainly due to re-use costs.
Clear?
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