UAE to become one of the first countries to roll out 4G technology – Experts
The UAE and other GCC states plan to roll out the 4G mobile telcom technology, the adoption rate being much faster in comparison to 3G. 4G will provide a much faster voice, data and streamed multimedia services and will be launched in 2010, and the UAE being one of the first countries to have it.
“In worldwide markets 3G technology was introduced in haste and mobile handsets were not ready for it,” said Dr Eesa Bastaki, an education and technology consultant at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.
“3G+ was created after 3G’s problems were solved. Because of this, 4G will have no problems as no work will be needed on infrastructure and integration can be achieved easily. It will be much easier to move onto 4G.”
“With wireless you have one terminal as your computer, mobile, TV and multimedia player that is compatible with all devices in the environment,” he said. “This facilitates 4G as integration of new technologies is possible. “Consumers will be ready as they are already using the latest technologies and will adapt to 4G quickly. As 4G is based largely on wireless you only need antennas and base stations rather than cabling infrastructure.”
Bastaki said: “The UAE will be among the first countries to adopt 4G technology. Etisalat and du have done good work in building up the basic fibre-optic infrastructure.
