Over the last 12 – 18 months, so called “4G” networks have slowly transitioned from a future concept towards a build-out reality. Aside from major US 4G network deployments that have been underway for over a year, deployments have also begun in many regions around the globe. Table 1 provides an outline of build-out activity (as of the end of 2009).

As this industry change is taking place, advances in devices, services and applications continue to drive the need for the advanced capabilities and data-rate improvements promised by these emerging 4G networks. As shown below in figure 1, mobile traffic is forecasted to roughly double every year between now and 2013.