Dedicated to providing its clients with the most insightful market intelligence and advice in the industry, IDC announced the launch of a new research program focused on the current state and future promise of third-generation (3G) networks. According to IDC, the 3G system is a complex platform that is revolutionizing the way voice, data, and broadband multimedia services are supported over a variety of mobile and fixed networks. IDC’s new program is designed to help clients understand 3G’s complexities and improve their competitive positioning and overall strategic direction in this evolving industry. This service complements a suite of IDC research covering the wireless industry, including devices, technology, and mcommerce.

“3G has captured the world’s collective imagination in terms of the substantial cost, convenience, and economic benefits consumers and providers can derive from it,” said Shiv Bakhshi, research manager for IDC’s Third-Generation Wireless Infrastructure program. “However, the migration to a full-blown 3G system represents a complex, high-stakes process, weighted by confusing technical and economic claims. Anyone with a stake in this evolving industry needs to understand the legal, political, economic, technological, and sociocultural trends that enable and inhibit the evolution to third-generation mobile communications.”

IDC’s new program will analyze all the institutional frameworks and practices that facilitate and hinder the migration to a 3G system. It will also examine the interconnected and interdependent elements, such as production, distribution, and reception, that must work in sync for this system to succeed.

Additionally, the new program will investigate 3G service rollout in the United States and the rest of the world, as well as identify and analyze issues confronting carriers as they transition to 3G. Licenses and spectrum availability, device replacement and cost, and spending on upgrades are some of the topics covered.

IDC has recently published a number of major market studies covering the wireless industry.

The Current State and Future Promise of 3G Networks (IDC #24412). This report is part of IDC’s new continuous information services program that analyzes the future of 3G networks. Key technical, economic, political, and social issues involved in migrating to a 3G world are detailed.
The 3G Path: Getting There from Here (IDC #24422). This report is part of IDC’s Wireless and Mobile Communications program. It discusses the network migration strategies of major U.S. mobile operators seeking to offer next-generation mobile services.
Around the World in 3G (IDC #24483). This report is part of IDC’s Worldwide Telecom Market program. It examines 3G implementation strategies of four leading international mobile operators (Vodafone, Hutchison Whampoa, T-Mobile International AG, and NTT DoCoMo) in Western Europe and Asia.