IT Bosses Delaying Wireless Applications - Waiting for 3G

The majority of UK corporate telecommunications infrastructure managers are intent on delaying deployment of mobile data applications until 3G networks are fully established, according to survey findings released by Intuwave, a developer of mobile middleware software and services.

Nearly three quarters (71%) of those polled felt that the lack of next-generation networks was either a 'significant' or 'very significant' deterrent in deploying smartphones as business tools. This is despite the current widespread roll-out of 2.5G technology that has many of the advantages claimed for 3G but is available 'right here, right now', according to Intuwave.

Intuwave called on all elements of the industry to unite in the education of the business community as to the features and effectiveness of existing network technologies in order to prevent further delaying the growth of mobile data and stymieing its positive effect on economic growth.

Andew Wyatt, VP of Strategic Marketing, Intuwave, said, "The myth that serious deployment of mobile data solutions must wait for 3G is clearly well-established. This belief, combined with ongoing delays in 3G network deployment, is a recipe for an industry that at best treads water and at worst declines - with a direct impact on the UK's global competitiveness.

"Today's 2.5G networks - based on GPRS - are largely complete and already provide the features associated with 3G - 'always-on' connectivity, higher bandwidth rates and compelling billing models. This makes the opportunity for serious business use of mobile applications a reality - today. We - as an industry - must do more to make sure this is properly understood and ensure that UK plc benefits."

The survey was conducted on behalf of Intuwave in December 2002 by research specialists Vanson Bourne who interviewed 100 IT managers in companies with turnovers in excess of

Posted to the site on 7th February 2003