Last week, I reported on the 3G technology test that Cingular Wireless will begin this summer in Atlanta. Although I had questions about Cingular’s choice of frequencies for the test (they will use 1900 mHz, but their network will run on 850 mHz in the future), I consider the test a positive development for the U.S. cellular market.
On Friday, the NewsFactor Network reported on Cingular’s 3G test, saying that Cingular is falling behind Verizon Wireless by not rolling out 3G technology fast enough. Erika Morphy said, “Cingular is in danger of losing the race to deliver nationwide high-speed mobile services as Verizon and other competitors begin to roll out test pilots — and in the case of Verizon, go nationwide with third-generation (3G) network technology.”
I don’t agree that Verizon is winning a race by rolling out 3G technology more quickly than Cingular. Right now, the only users that are benefitting from the CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network enhancements are customers that are using wireless modems, not handsets. If I were commuting to New York City on a daily basis and I wanted to do some work on the Internet from a laptop, this would be a good solution. But, the number of people who can afford this solution is limited.
3G technology needs to be cheap, widely available through handsets and modems, and perhaps most importantly, it needs to have applications that don’t work well with WiFi alone. I can’t think of any applications that I need enough to pay for 3G-compatible gear at this time. I think Cingular will not be hurt too much by taking a slower approach to testing this technology.