Next iPhone to Boost Internet Speeds?
Posted March 20, 2009 at 1:44pm by iClarified
A new report suggests the next iPhone will come with faster Internet access speeds.
The Business Insider has heard from a plugged-in source in the mobile industry who says the next iPhone will have a significantly faster Internet connection.
Their thoughts:
- This can't be referring to AT&T's 4G (LTE) network, because that won't be ready for a year or more.
- This might be referring to faster wifi, and not faster 3G access? (802.11n vs. its current 802.11g/b.)
- AT&T has repeatedly vowed to speed up its 3G network via updates to the network. Is it possible that the current iPhone can't support those increased speeds?
Electronista believes the most likely change is the addition of support for speed-doubled 7.2Mbps 3G given both hardware manufacturer and carrier plans. Infineon should have a new 3G chipset starting from mid-year that would support the faster speeds while also improving battery life. At the same time, AT&T has been trialing 7.2Mbps 3G since late 2008 and should roll out the speedier service this year. The provider has stressed that many of its cell towers can be upgraded solely through software rather than new equipment.
As the current iPhone 3G only supports 3.6Mbps this seems like a viable possibility.
The Business Insider has heard from a plugged-in source in the mobile industry who says the next iPhone will have a significantly faster Internet connection.
Their thoughts:
- This can't be referring to AT&T's 4G (LTE) network, because that won't be ready for a year or more.
- This might be referring to faster wifi, and not faster 3G access? (802.11n vs. its current 802.11g/b.)
- AT&T has repeatedly vowed to speed up its 3G network via updates to the network. Is it possible that the current iPhone can't support those increased speeds?
Electronista believes the most likely change is the addition of support for speed-doubled 7.2Mbps 3G given both hardware manufacturer and carrier plans. Infineon should have a new 3G chipset starting from mid-year that would support the faster speeds while also improving battery life. At the same time, AT&T has been trialing 7.2Mbps 3G since late 2008 and should roll out the speedier service this year. The provider has stressed that many of its cell towers can be upgraded solely through software rather than new equipment.
As the current iPhone 3G only supports 3.6Mbps this seems like a viable possibility.