Next generation broadband access-harmonizing technology with economics

With the convergence of mobile phones and computers and availability of bandwidth intensive content over the internet, existing network infrastructure cannot satisfy the ever increasing demand of consumers. Long term evolution is projected as next generation wireless broadband technology to address the exponential data demand. However the capital costs associated with LTE spectrum, exclusivity of device value chains, limited spectrum for macro coverage presents a challenge at one hand for mobile industry and opportunity on the other hand for incumbent wire line broadband providers. In this paper we present recent trends in user demands, forecasts of future usage patterns of internet services and compare the long term evolution (LTE) with broadband access in unlicensed bands seamlessly integrated with Telcos and Cableco existing macro broadband networks. We highlight the challenges for availability of affordable broadband access coverage models on large scale in unlicensed bands and coverage vs. capacity issues for macro network deployments in licensed bands. We conclude at the end that abundant unlicensed spectrum and relevant technologies are available for wireless broadband access and its economics are far superior to that of licensed based service provision model.