Eric L: Thanks. Minor point - assume you meant plain ole vanilla 3GPP in this:
"* GSM & TDMA carriers representing some 480 million subscribers are evolving 2nd & 3rd generation services in 3GPP2."
As usual, we are looking at the evolution from different points of view, so while I see many of the same facts you do, my "take" or emphasis is somewhat different - perhaps due to less knowledge, perhaps just looking more at Asia and recognizing that Europe is zero for the Q now, so what happens there is relatively unimportant in the near term as far as the Q is concerned.
Standards bodies are crucial, on that we agree and I recognize that you follow 3GPP as carefully as is practical, while I have no clue.
On 3GPP2, I have been relying on Ben's status reports.
Re progress on the ground:
While GPRS is "packet based", it is a weak reed on which to lean for data (in all its forms, such as video for example)in comparison to any evolving CDMA approach currently or prospectively in place IMO.
Yes, I agree that as of now GSM land will install GPRS, but what will be fascinating will be whether its reception will be widespread disappointment a la WAP or enthusiastic reception. I remember that a person I respect - you - says "I hate WAP". Will be curious re: your views on GPRS when you have the opportunity sometime next year to try it.
Will also be interested in the reception of the superior counterpart in CDMA land of 1x.
And as I see data as key, the advantage of 1xEV is compelling as a platform in whatever flavor it is or will be IMO.
I see Edge (if it happens) as very very weak competition to 1xEV - let alone WCDMA of any form or flavor.
While it is true that some limited WCDMA (of ancient vintage) will be tested in "new" spectrum by DoCoMo in Japan in May and in the Isle of Man, that is a sideshow IMO.
No substantial commercial roll out of any version of UMTS seems likely anytime soon as best I can tell.
Hence my interest in current spectrum where the players are GPRS in GSM land and the evolving 1x, 1xEV (DO first and then DV second) in CDMA land.
That is a comparison which is similar to an amateur taking on Ty Woods IMO - and IxEV is Ty Woods, no?
(The last is just to see if you are fully awake. <g> )
Best as always.
Cha2
PS And while I recognize the limitations of trying to divide analysis by current and new spectrum, it does seem to be useful as a focus - even recognizing some spilling out over the edges. |
