Over the past few years more and more consumers have been switching from basic cell phones over to smartphones, which are capable of doing much more than just making and receiving calls. Voice service doesn't seem to be as important as it used to, with most users using email, IM apps, texting or social networking sites like Facebook to stay in communication. This has been made possible by carriers providing large 3G wireless networks, and, more recently, newer 4G WiMAX and LTE networks, which allow users to experience speeds similar to a home cable or DSL connection. The only problem that exists with all the data networks is it that the carriers use a wide variety of technologies and frequencies, which causes compatibility issues if you choose to switch carriers or travel internationally.
Popular U.S. Carrier Radios:
- Verizon 3G (HRPD) - 800/1900Mhz
- Verizon 4G LTE (eHRPD) - 700Mhz
- Sprint 3G - CDMA 1900Mhz Only
- Sprint 4G - WiMAX 2.5Ghz
- AT&T 3G - GSM 800/1900Mhz, HSDPA 800/1900 (select markets)
- AT&T 4G LTE - Not available yet, will work on 700Mhz frequency
- T-Mobile 3G - GSM/TDMA 800/1900Mhz "Voice", 1700/2100Mhz "Data"
- T-Mobile 4G - HSPA+ 1700/2100Mhz
These are the 4 major carriers in the U.S. and as you can see they all utilize a variety of different technologies and broadcast on different frequencies. This makes it increasingly difficult for companies to produce phones, because they must add specific radios for support on specific carriers. A great example of this problem is Apple's iPhone, which was originally designed for AT&T. When unlocked, T-Mobile customers were able to use the device, however, the phone didn't have T-Mobile's 3G radio, so it only worked on their slower 2G EDGE network. Now that Verizon finally offers the iPhone on their network it is even more complicated, as we've got the AT&T iPhone using GSM and the Verizon iPhone using CDMA technology. This means if you'd like to use a different carrier you'll need to buy a brand new phone just to make the switch.
Now, imagine that your phone has a special chip that offers support for all popular wireless radios - how much more convenient would that be?
The new
Gobi 3000 chipset will allow manufactures to finally use a single chip to provide multiple radios, allowing their phones to connect to virtually any carrier. According to Qualcomm, "with devices featuring multi-mode Gobi technology, you can take advantage of the high-speed data access services offered by leading 3G network carriers around the world. Because Gobi technology is built in, there is no longer the need to procure and support several carrier specific devices. Transparent global connectivity eases deployment flexibility while reducing support and asset management costs." The Gobi 3000 has the ability to revolutionize the wireless industry by offering consumers a new chipset that allows them to utilize their cellphone on the carrier of their choice without limitations.
This chipset could also be a very popular option for wireless data card users. Imagine having a 3G/4G router with the Gobi 3000 built in, allowing you to jump from Verizon, Sprint or AT&T by simply making a phone call and changing your provider. If you were traveling to a specific area and found one carrier to offer poor reception, make that phone call and switch to another provider that offers better coverage and speeds at the location! The could ultimately allow a great deal of flexibility without needing to purchase stand-alone modems for each wireless carrier you'd like to use.
