In-Stat reports that at the end of 2008, only 11% of worldwide wireless subscriptions were 3G. By the end of 2013, the percentage of 3G and 4G subscriptions will reach 30%. 3G and 4G are most commonly associated with a new generation of Internet connected mobile phones and Mobile Broadband services.

However future generations of 4G Mobile Broadband services still look likely to be dominated by enhanced forms of HSPA and Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, which could deliver speeds of up to and beyond 100Mbps. By comparison mobile WiMAX (802.16e) is likely to be popular in developing countries, though its future in existing 3G markets remains uncertain.

Personally we wouldn't be at all surprised to see mobile network operators stick with future iterations of HSPA (i.e. HSPA+) for longer than expected. These would be based off proven technology and could deliver download speeds of up to 42Mbps and uploads of up to 22Mbps (at best). Some trials have already hit 21Mbps in Spain.