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 A
particularly interesting paper published in the closing days of 2002 provides
an incisive view of the wireless communications world that we enter in
2003. Prepared by research group Forrester Techstrategy Research and entitled
‘3G’s belated break-even’, the paper in part presents the
surveyed opinions of a number of European cellular operators. Of interest
is the cellular operators’ fascinating perspective on the third generation
(3G) cellular market—one of quite blatant optimism, set against an
acknowledged uncertainty as to just how these networks and services will
come together.
The paper reports that almost 90 per cent of the UMTS license holders
interviewed are confident they will have their 3G networks up and running
by first-quarter 2003, and that they are equally confident about the commercial
future of 3G. In the same breath, the interviewees admit their 3G plans
are largely guesswork, and that issues such as handset availability remain
a big question.
This ‘confidence in the face of uncertainty’ seems to be a recurring
theme right across today’s wireless technology industry—from
W-LAN through to broadband service deployment and digital television.
While all these new markets may indeed be untried, the technology still
emerging and ‘killer apps’ still to take shape, the major players
express an almost unshakeable belief in the future of these next-generation
wireless technologies. Radio Frequency Systems concurs with this optimism,
as it is founded on an historically proven fact—that needs inspire
solutions.
Solutions can and will come forward to overcome the challenges currently
facing these emerging wireless technologies. Interestingly, these solutions
aren’t always direct answers to the most obvious challenges. Many
solutions will be born of a lateral perspective on the problem at hand,
and offer refreshing technical alternatives. The coming six months will
see RFS launch some important examples of this type of solution, where
our primary objective has been to provide wireless operators with premium
deployment and optimization flexibility. Such flexibility will allow the
next-generation wireless operator to realise optimal RF coverage quickly
at minimal cost—essential RF interface performance attributes in
times of uncertainty and opportunity.
The pages of this issue of STAY CONNECTED showcase a number of these important
RFS innovations, such as the new Optimizer premium performance cellular
antenna range, the CELLFLEX ‘A’ series feeder cable and the
high-end in-building solution. All are drawn from product sectors that
our company has long excelled in, yet all represent a complete rejuvenation
of these products to ensure they are state-of-the art and tailor-made
to fit today’s needs.
These new products have already generated enormous enthusiasm from wireless
network operators, OEMs and installers. We will formally present these
and many more RFS innovations to visitors at the major industry exhibitions
at which RFS is scheduled to participate in the coming weeks and months
(most notably CTIA in New Orleans, CeBIT in Hannover, and NAB in Las Vegas).
We look forward to seeing you in your part of the world, and demonstrating
just how RFS can provide flexible solutions to inspire RF confidence—and
profitability!
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