Ah! This must be elmat, provocateur...>smile<
Well, disregarding the referenced article, which is a piece of fluff, there is still the question that I asked you about a while back - What are the implications of possible interconnected radio LANs and voice? As I recall, your initial reaction to the idea was negative.
But, perhaps I see an evolution in your thinking? Drawing from another of your recent posts, you see the decrease in importance of infrastructure providers as architects of the telecomms future.
And I agree. We seem to be assembling the pieces, building an answer - but 3G is as dynamic and exciting as any incumbent's answer - that is, not very. OTOH, are the dreams of the fixed-wireless people so much flimflam, or is there a reality out there?
It certainly doesn't exist yet! Everybody is groping in the dark for the model: the way to put revenue, pervasive connectivity, the internet and voice into a profitable package. Microsoft, for instance, has acquired pieces of every conceivable pie: do they have a "vision"? Perhaps. Or, they've bought the puzzle, and they're turning over the pieces, wondering where they fit.
Intel is making interesting SOC designs including embedded wireless software and hardware.
Where's it all going?
And whether you're talking fixed or mobile wireless, the pervasive connectivity that is being proposed will have huge infrastructure costs. Why does nobody care to mention that in an "always on" world, one will be "always in" a cell?
Perhaps (as I think you are suggesting) the question lies not in specific content, or specific technology, but an amalgam of services and technology - and profits.
If there is one question that is driving thousands of people to edge of madness today, I suggest it is "How do we make all this stuff pay?"
Your point about the in-the-box thinking of present infrastructure providers is true. Both Ericsson and Nokia have been searching diligently for killer apps for 3G - Ericsson in-house, Nokia is contracting out the search. But it's quite possible that 3G has shot itself in the foot - and the fixed wireless folks, with the rich-content providers may steal their thunder with a better business plan.
And yes, let's not forget the economies of scale that we need to bring this pervasive connectivity to the poorer half of the world.
What a riddle!
Regards,
Jim |
