Could LTE phase out GSM and CDMA?

While India is still trying to get comfortable with 3G, the rest of the world is gearing up for LTE (Long-Term Evolution). LTE is also popularly known as 4G in layman's term. It came into exsistence due to the growing demand for high speed internet connectivity which is much faster than 3G. Many operators have even started testing this new technology as everyone wants to be the first to provide the latest services to their customers while trying to beat the cut-throat competition. Based on an article by Gizmodo.com Verizons LTE speed test provided restults of 7-9 mbps with two bars of battery.

The system is more than capable of providing super speed service and according to Vangaurdngr.com, Logan Pather, Chief Executive Officer of Starcomms Plc, GSM and CDMA are going to be ruled out in the next few years. That may seem a little too drastic a thought and contrary to what Pather's believes, Titi Omo-Ettu, President of the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, is of the opinion that GSM services has been doing very well over past years. In fact, it has evolved to a great extent. Ettu could not seem to find any reason for GSM to be dismissed entirely.

Mobile operators getting ready for LTE

Apart from these statements, MTN’s external Communications Manager, Andrew  Okeleke stated that LTE is basically for data and  is expected  to run side-by-side with the current technology platforms. He sees no reason for any consumer or service provider to be worried about either CDMA or GSM services coming to an end. LTE with its super fast connectivity might catch up very quickly but wont be able to completely rule out GSM and CDMA services due to a variety of reasons which could include affordability of the services or device compatibility in some cases. That being said, we're still looking forward to the next generation in mobile connectivity, let's just hope it doesn't take as long as 3G did to get here. But with Aircel already testing the service with Huawei, perhaps we won't have too long a wait, fingers crossed.