Defining 4G: Understanding the ITU Process for the Next Generation of Wireless Technology

摘要

The communications industry is witnessing significant posturing regarding wireless technologies and systems that are claiming to be fourth generation (4G). Any claim that a particular technology is a 4G technology or system today is, in reality, simply a market positioning statement by the respective technology advocate. Such claims must be verified and substantiated against a set of requirements in order to qualify as 4G.rnThe International Telecommunication Union (ITU)1 is the internationally recognized entity chartered to produce an official definition of the next generation of wireless technologies. Its Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) is establishing an agreed and globally accepted definition of 4G wireless systems that is inclusive of the current multidimensional and diverse stakeholder universe.