3G Wireless Systems and Standards

Jack Riepenhoff

As more and more people make use of the Internet and other data services, the amount of interest in making this technology portable has increased. With miniaturization, we are able to put more functionality in less space on mobile telephone handsets. However, the current cellular radio network is incapable of providing high-speed data and Internet access to the telephone handsets. The technology required to do so is commonly referred to as third generation wireless, or 3G.

Much work is currently being done to update cellular networks worldwide to add 3G capability. However, there are some tough issues making this upgrade difficult. The vast size of the network and patchwork of standards used by cellular carriers in the United States is hampering the upgrade process. There are several competing standards for 3G wireless that are now under development, but the lack of a clear standard is also slowing deployment of 3G wireless technology. Even in Europe, where most providers currently use the GSM standard, there are questions of which 3G system to use. In addition, there may be problems of tower space and interference when trying to site new base stations to provide 3G services.

This report and presentation will examine the different 3G systems being proposed and look at the issues affecting the process of upgrading to 3G wireless service in the United States and around the world.