The telecoms industry has been fiercely competitive over the last couple of years with WiMax and LTE slugging it out; both vying for popularity, business and bragging rights. And after trading heavy blows it seems the debate is won.
As far as regional implementation, the Middle East and North Africa are favoring LTE’s mobile network technology. Not too long ago WiMAX was leading the market towards becoming the 4G wireless technology of choice for mobile broadband. Billions of Dollars were invested into producing mobile WiMAX but as telecoms’ biggest names switched their allegiances to LTE its popularity fell.
Etisalat, who have announced attendance at the NGT MENA Summit, completed LTE trials at the end of 2009. They hope to launch by the end of the year, growing the 4G capabilities within the Middle East. LTE is designed to increase the speed and capacity of mobile networks, with the committee - formed for NGT MENA - agreeing that LTE provides a more natural upgrade for network subscribers.
LTE is set to be the dawn of a new generation in mobile communications; it will be able to facilitate a device to device communication across mobile networks. If LTE truly lives up to the hype, consumers will be able to use their mobile phone in the same way they use their desktop computer, creating a truly interactive experience. But what will the result of fully evolved LTE have on business within the Middle East?
Already it seems that the Middle East is set to surpass Europe in the implementation of LTE. Although the Middle East is seen as a smaller business market it closes the gap on Europe with its potential for growth. Due to a lack of strong fixed broadband infrastructure and sufficient fixed competition a mobile internet service really is the future. This has also been agreed by Etisalat - Paramjit Singh Sandhu, SVP Mobile Networks Quality & Performance , Batelco - Ebrahim Zainal, CTO , Vodafone Egypt - Jan Wuppermann, Director Strategy & Business Development and Zain Group - Cem Yolcu, Group Strategy Director who make up the some of the members of the NGT MENA committee.
Now LTE has overtaken WiMAX in popularity, the Middle East can seize the opportunity to overtake Europe. Now is the time for telecoms leaders to really drive their initiative and spread the LTE good word. The Middle East has once again set itself as the place to invest for fantastic returns in business.
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