4. Future 4G services have often been touted with Mobile WiMAX in mind but there are other methods, not least the potential for further 3G enhancements beyond HSPA. Though it's probably too early to talk about it with any certainty, which technology is most likely to dominate the next generation of mobile broadband after the current one has established itself The long term evolution upgrade for UMTS systems allows for continued growth in data speeds and will be hard to beat with expansion expected to reach 100Mbps in the downlink and 50Mpbs in the uplink. However it will be some time before we see the commercial release of this technology. 5. Presently one of the biggest hindrances to Mobile Broadband technology, especially the faster derivatives, is coverage. Few operators have truly extensive cover in this area, can we expect this to improve and if so, when? I would disagree. Orange has 94% 3G population coverage in the UK at this time and continues to invest to extend this coverage with particular focus on areas that contain a high density of businesses. The 3G network is significant as it is the enabler required to support improvements to data rates now and the future, including the current HSPDA or 3G+ roll out which began in February 2007. 6. What can we expect to see from you on the Mobile Broadband front in the near future? We're in the process of deploying HSDPA across the UK and will continue with this into 2008. HSUPA will follow shortly behind. Orange also has a fixed broadband network and a large WiFi roaming footprint (2660 sites) to ensure our customers can get the best experience wherever they are. Ultimately they shouldn’t need to know which network they are using as their device will intelligently select the strongest and best option available.
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