Beyond 3G

The evolution of communications and how this is affected by social factors is addressed in an attempt to gaze beyond third generation (3G) systems. We commence by observing the origins of communications and the route we travelled to arrive at the proposed 3G systems. After speculating on what 3G networks are likely to offer and their social impact, we examine future scenarios such as soft telecommunications, high capacity networks, body wireless local area networks (B-WLAN), a myriad of interconnecting WLAN, aerial networks, maritime networks, and ad hoc networks. The discourse culminates with speculation regarding the speeding up of evolution of man to cope with the growing intelligence of our electronics and communications systems.