Communications Advisory: A Primer on Wireless Broadband Internet Access
9/16/2003
Until recently, high-speed Internet access could only be achieved by business and consumers through physical connection with a wired communications network. The most common high speed wired alternatives were cable modem service, digital subscriber lines (DSL) or high capacity telephone paths, such as T-1 lines. Wireless connectivity to the Internet was limited because the most commonly available wireless services- mobile services such as cellular and PCS- offered limited spectrum capability, making connection and download times slow.
Over the past several years, however, wireless broadband Internet access has exploded. This has come about largely because of the development of technology that operates over wider bandwidths, the availability of consumer oriented broadband devices, and the proliferation of locations where consumers can access the technology.
This issue includes discussion of Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, and 3G wireless access options, as well as the difference between licensed and unlicensed spectrum.
