The unparalleled success of smart phones, particularly Blackberry and iPhones, netbooks and iPads has led to an unexpected rise in data transfer use on the wireless access networks. A number of providers are dealing with this data tsunami issue by turning to software prioritization, coupled with tiered prices as an alternative for the flat rate pricing structure. Although this could be an effective short term gesture, wireless providers are smartly exploring the next generation wireless technology or 4G technology to help minimize this problem in the future.

At present, the two popular options for 4G wireless technology are LTE and WiMax and these two systems have many commonalities. For instance, the radio networks for the two systems are structured on OFDM with services for MIMO antennas. Nevertheless, their beginnings and pedigrees are very different and as a result, their individual focal points differ. With all this, chances are that LTE and WiMax can co-exist as partner technologies with regard to 4G wireless as well as enhance each other by concentrating on their individual areas of effectiveness, instead of rivaling each other to get providers attention.

Throughout the US, LTE assessments are running with AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon, with commercial implementation to be completed in 2011.

Throughout European countries, Tier1 providers like Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) and Telefonica are performing LTE tests, to be quickly followed by commercial implementation. The APAC areas are aggressively going after LTE tests with China Mobile, SK Telecom, Chungwa Telecom, Telstra, NTT Docomo and KDDI. These are leading in the market at the moment and some were anticipated to have commercial releases in 2010.

Yota, which is a WiMax provider based in Russia, has started a plan to be able to overlay the LTE networks throughout five metropolitan areas in Russia in 2010 with a funding of around US$1 billion. In order to have 4G networks around the world, WiMax is obviously investing heavily for future advancements.