Evolution Toward a Multimode Future

A variety of network technologies exist today and many will persist for the foreseeable future. As a general rule, all of these technologies are designed with a specific usage scenario in mind. Operators will continue to deploy a mix of different technologies. Wide-area network technologies are, and will continue to be, the foundation of ubiquitous services as they offer most complete coverage and serve the largest number of users. WAN coverage will be overlaid with smaller islands of other network technologies which will augment WAN services. Broadcast networks will also supplement WANs, providing blanket coverage for delivery of compelling mobile television, music, and other datacast streams.