Evolution of wireless radio technology
The wireless technology that is used to connect physical network components is constantly evolving. The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) follows the general trends, and where appropriate analyses the potential impact of these trends on consumers and markets, and on potential regulatory challenges and options.
Mobile technology generations
An important milestone in mobile communications was the introduction of the second generation of mobile telephony networks (2G), which provided solutions for roaming and switching mobile plans with the same phone, or using the same plan with a (new) phone of a different brand. Several generations followed after 2G, each with new promises offering higher speeds and better quality, security and efficiency, newer and better services and more friendly to the environment. Until the introduction of 5G, mobile operators kept multiple generations working simultaneously. However, earlier generations, although very successful, will soon be phased out. This leads to challenges related to replacing older equipment such as older mobile phones or smart meters that only work with the older network technology.
Newer services sometimes lead to backwards compatibility and interoperability issues, even with newer smartphones, as they cannot automatically fall back to using proven older technology. For example this can be to set up a phone call or deliver an Short Message Service (SMS) when the new technology is not (yet) fully interoperable. Directly or indirectly this may also lead to regulatory challenges.
Interrelation with alternative radio technologies
BEREC is also keeping an eye on the trends and developments of other wireless radio technologies such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) and Bluetooth, but also new technology developments for the Internet of Things such as Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). Newer technologies support allocating the same frequency band for multiple purposes, and dynamically sharing this spectrum based on time, location, temporary allocation using databases or simple or elaborate backoff mechanisms.
Another evolving area is optical wireless communication which is used for high bandwidth connections between satellites, and between satellites and airplanes to provide internet connections to airplanes at cruising altitude via satellite connections using optical beams, but can also be used in some specific user or industrial environments as a high bandwidth alternative for radio based wireless solutions.
BEREC’s standpoint
BERECs aim is to ensure consumer rights and to foster qualities like choice, quality and price of different telecom services. BEREC aims for good functioning telecom markets with room for competition, innovation and sustainability.