As consumers were just getting used to the 3rd Generation wireless (3G), the 4th Generation (4G) is making great strides as the next evolutionary stage that will supersede a technology that is only just now becoming a common sight in the mobile market. Although there is no current definition of what the 4G standard actually includes, there are a number of technologies in the marketplace that claim to be the next evolutionary step up from 3G. The two major players vying for the largest slice of the pre-4G pie are LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WiMAX and both have their fair share of support. A recent report assessing the future market opportunities for the evolving 4G wireless platforms presents UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) LTE as the clear early favourite in 4G wireless.

In fact, even before its launch in 2010 or later, LTE is forecast to become the choice of many network operators, projected to account for 39 million subscribers and $9 billion in equipment revenues in 2014. As InternetNews.com writes, one reason LTE may be the winner of the race is that its ongoing gain of supporters seems to be a promising endless progress.

As a result one WiMAX supporter that has recently had a minor change of heart, is Nortel Networks. Originally solely reliant on WiMAX, the voice and data focused company swapped its alliegance earlier this year by opting to increase its investment in LTE. Whilst it claims it is not abandoning WiMAX, it puts the shift in focus down to their belief that progress on WiMAX has been slow at best.

WiMAX, which is the next evolutionary step up from WiFi, is considered by industry experts as a strong contender. It builds on the strengths of current wireless networks but offers transmission speeds more than five times faster, allowing users to send huge data files from a smartphone, switch from a mobile phone network to a LAN (Local Area Network) without re-dialling, share documents in real-time video-conferences and essentially transport all the benefits of an office’s networked PC to conduct business on the road. However, it is believed that WiMAX will largely be used for fixed applications with device shipments projected to be over 20 million in 2014. Despite this, LTE’s potential capabilities, its strong development record and the fact that it can be built on top of existing GSM and HSPA networks means it scores highest in the experts forecasts.

With an exciting evolution toward a rich-media full wireless world awaiting businesses and consumers, the future for mobile communications technology looks extremely promising, whichever of these technologies proves the victor.

Related research: 4G Wireless – From 2008 to 2014