April 21, 2004

Cellular execs say go slow on high-speed wireless

While mobile high-speed internet access is good, at $80 per month it's expensive and might not be widely adopted by consumers or businesses. DSL sure, wireless 'net access sure, but broadband at $80 per month - on top of cell phone costs, and other mobile expenses - being mobile can get pricing.

USA Today reports U.S. wireless companies are wary of pouring billions of dollars into faster networks to accommodate high-speed data, noting that it may be years before consumers widely adopt the technology.
High-speed wireless data technology claimed much of the limelight at this year's Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association industry show here, but executives want more time to evaluate the technology and wait for more advanced consumer devices, such as phones that can send and receive video clips.

High-speed wireless data "is here, it's here to stay and it's going to be a big part of our business," Tim Donahue, Nextel Communications president and CEO said during a panel discussion Wednesday. (full story)

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