Defining 4G: Understanding the ITU Process for the Next Generation of Wireless Technology

The communications industry is witnessing significant posturing about wireless technologies and systems that are claiming to be "4G." Any claim that a particular technology is a 4G technology or system today is, in reality, simply a market positioning statement by the respective technology advocate. Such claims must be verified and substantiated against a set of requirements in order to qualify as 4G. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the internationally recognized entity chartered to produce an official definition of the next generation of wireless technologies. Its Radio-communication Sector (ITU-R) is establishing an agreed and globally accepted definition of 4G wireless systems that is inclusive of the current multi-dimensioned and diverse stakeholder universe.