19 Dec
Softbank in Japan putting a stop to 2G
Japan is probably the most progressive mobile telephone market. Softbank mobile sees signs that 2G is reaching the end of its life so will stop taking 2G orders from the end of march 2008. 2G support is correctly going to continue but customers will be encouraged to switch to 3G. This is a very healthy sign and it would be great to see similar moves from more mobile operators in all countries. When you think about it, everybody benefits:
- The mobile company can eventually do away with older generation equipment in base stations that is still supporting 2G to free up space and concentrate on more modern services.
- Consumers get better service at roughly the same cost as 2G.
- Handset manufacturers can move on to better things and concentrate on 3G and 4G handsets. 2G compatibility will be however compulsory for years to come.
Windows Mobile is here, the iPhone is here, Symbian is here, Google’s Android is coming soon, and as handset manufacturers and mobile operators coordinate for 3G and 4G the mobile market is getting quite hot!
Link: Telegeography
