W-CDMA leaves Euro carriers confused

Uncertainty over the future of wideband code-division multiple access (W-CDMA) as the next-generation European mobile platform is leaving operators with doubts about adopting emerging wireless technologies, according to analysts.

In a report entitled The Role and Impact of Emerging Wireless Technologies, IT market research firm Analysys warned that most European operators have already deferred the launch of their W-CDMA or 3G networks until 2004 or 2005 because of difficulties with equipment availability and teething problems with network and handset performance.

The analyst said operators are unsure whether to deploy W-CDMA, Edge, wireless local area networks or broadband wireless access technologies, and whether they should put their faith in standards such as 802.16e and 802.20.

Mark Heath, co-author of the study, said: "If mobile operators continue to focus on services like messaging and 'small-screen' browsing, W-CDMA may not be needed at all.

"3G should not be written off yet. W-CDMA wireless technology coupled with its new speech coding provides the necessary capacity, quality of service and cost base to rival fixed-line voice services."

And advances will allow W-CDMA to deliver a wireless broadband experience at a cost per megabyte that is one-ninth that of GPRS, which will allow operators to cut prices dramatically.