ABI: Dynamic Spectrum Access Eases Mobile Bandwidth Squeeze
According to ABI Research, dynamic spectrum access may offer mobile operators and regulators relief from a looming bandwidth squeeze. IMT-2000 now includes WiMAX as well as traditional 2G and 3G mobile technologies. These will be joined by variants of EDGE, UMTS, CDMA2000, and HSPA in the next few years, culminating in the deployment of all-IP “4G” mobile networks beginning in 2010. Meanwhile the digital dividend is set to free up spectrum in the 700 MHz bands for new applications including homeland security, mobile Internet, mobile TV, and terrestrial HDTV. ABI said the market will be allowed to decide in competitive auctions how to make best use of the spectrum, which will not be able to support all these new technologies and services unless a different approach is taken.