What is the future platform of mobile communication? If you ask the two largest carriers in America, the answer would be LTE as a fourth generation solution. Both AT&T and Verizon plan to use their 700 MHz auction holdings to upgrade their networks to the GSM-based technology. This is a big step for Verizon, which currently uses a CDMA network. Sprint is all WiMAX, which could be a gamble if other carriers choose LTE. Speaking of which, what are the other carriers thinking? Allie Winter of RCR News takes a look at regional carriers’ and MVNOs’ plans for the next generation.

Back in August, MetroPCS announced their intention to upgrade using LTE. CEO Roger Lindquist wants to make the move soon, though he did not elaborate on the company’s plans. Rival Leap Wireless hasn’t decided on a platform yet, and it doesn’t appear an announcement is imminent.

US Cellular hasn’t officially made a decision, though by all appearances they’ll be going LTE as well. Why? Because they are a regional carrier, they depend on roaming agreements to give the best coverage to their customers. Since most of these agreements are with Verizon, VP Mark Steinkrauss notes that the company would most likely go the LTE route. He also mentioned the “opportunity for reasonable infrastructure costs and equipment costs.”

As for MVNOs, well, they’re largely subject to what other carriers decide. Daniel Neal, CEO of kajeet, makes sense of the situation:

“It’s not like there’s a huge human cry among teens and tweens for 4G right now,” Neal said. “They do use what an American wireless user would call advanced services, but we just don’t hear a lot of requests. That’s going to take some time to evolve.”

You can replace “teens and tweeens” with “typical prepaid user.” While 4G services are nice, they’re anything but essential. A large portion of prepaid users are fine with functionality over luxury.

Posted By : Joe
Posted at : September 24th, 2008 - 10:00 am
Filed under : Prepaid Services