'Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)'
Doi
Abstract
This article argues that the wireless telecommunication
market is about to witness a shift in
business models and market structure as a result
of the deployment of new broadband access
technologies, spectrum management techniques,
policy-based network management, and the drive
of new entrants to compete against the incumbents.
The article discusses four agents of evolutionary
changes: a range of broadband wireless
access standards and technologies that are frontrunners
in the industry’s efforts to embody the
next generation of wireless networks; new
provider-customer relationships facilitated
through changes in the usual contract patterns
that will allow consumers to enter short-term
and spot contracts with the new wireless providers;
an overview of the current debate on
spectrum management; and an explanation of
how autonomic communications and policybased
management would support the new structure.
Finally, the article asserts the necessity for
the integration of the heterogeneous technologies
that make up this emerging, hybrid wireless
landscape, and describes the economic characteristics
of a new competitive scenario.Postprint (published version
