This book explores the future of mobile communications networks from 3G trials, developments and products, to what will follow in the future. The increasing demands for services and higher quality continue to drive forward the technological capabilities. The implications of increasing mobile customer numbers on a global scale are investigated, as well as the convergence of mobile and the Internet, which, it is envisaged, will provide the next massive growth burst to the mobile market and 3G networks.The book covers the evolution to support multimedia architecture from GSM to UMTS, voice and Internet multimedia in UMTS networks, 3G service control, the OSA API and related issues; and mobile standards which are a critical dependency for 3G and future developments. The book also explores the Virtual University Research Initiative on mobility, Virtual Centre of Excellence in mobile and personal communications, and BT's other mobile ventures and alliances in the mobile arena.This book is essential reading for telecommunications engineers and managers, researchers and postgraduate students in communications who need to understand the expanding market expectations and the technological solutions available in this dynamic field.
