A major push to include embedded 4G technologies in a wide range of
mobile and consumer devices will create a built-in market for anticipated 4G
services such as mobile WiMax and LTE, but it also will force some fundamental
changes in the mobile industry ecosystem, particularly in the relationships
between network operators and device suppliers, according to the latest report
from Unstrung Insider (http://www.unstrung.com/insider
Technology development is just one part of the challenge facing the mobile
industry regarding next-gen data services, Blau says. "The brains to
develop these chips are arguably out there, but the economies of scale needed
to drive down costs will only come with sufficient demand, which is linked to
network coverage -- which, in turn, is linked to a complex mix of spectrum,
technology, intellectual property rights, and industrial politics," he
explained.
Key findings of 4G Inside
for Mobile WiMax & LTE include
-- New 4G systems could lead to an entirely new way of thinking about
system-on-chip architectures in the semiconductor industry
-- Intel expects a range of royalty rates for mobile WiMax essential patents
to be announced within the next month
-- A boost for embedded modules could come from MIMO, which Texas
Instruments believes will be first introduced in laptops
-- The GSM Association is studying how to make HSPA and later LTE-enabled
devices easily recognizable, similar to the successful WiFi branding
4G Inside
WiMax & LTE provides critical insight and analysis for a range of industry
participants, including
-- Mobile network operators needing insight into the development of
technologies and products that will enable rapid uptake of 4G data services,
and the timing for when those products will become available
-- Chip suppliers looking for an independent assessment of the market
opportunity for embedded mobile WiMax and LTE modules
-- Mobile device makers needing a competitive overview of the emerging
embedded 4G module sector
-- Investors seeking a better understanding of how the mobile WiMax and LTE
sectors will develop, and which technology suppliers are most likely to emerge
as the winners
4G Inside
WiMax & LTE analyzes the evolving 4G market, focusing on the key technical
and commercial issues affecting embedded modules based on mobile WiMax and LTE.
It evaluates the ecosystems and business models for LTE and mobile WiMax within
the framework of decisions that device makers must take regarding which, if
any, embedded systems to build into their products. The report explores the
primary issues that will affect the deployment of embedded modules, including
spectrum requirements, intellectual property rights, pricing, and chip
requirements. The report includes profiles of nine leading suppliers of mobile
technologies and explores their strategies for 4G services and embedded
devices.
"For 4G data services to succeed, embedded technologies must find their
way into a wider range of end-user devices -- not just notebooks and handsets,
but also consumer electronics, surveillance cameras, automotive communications
systems, and more," notes John Blau, research analyst with Unstrung
Insider and author of the report. "The ultimate key to success will be the
ability of chip makers to develop higher-performance, lower-power, smaller, and
cheaper chips."
WiMax & LTE is available as part of an annual single-user subscription (12
monthly issues) to Unstrung Insider, priced at $1,595. Individual reports are
available for $900 (single-user license).