2010 before 4G is in any usable state, though, right? And three years is a lifetime in cellphone handsets.
I wouldn't be so sure. I've read at least one operator say that upgrading from 3G to 4G is going to be a picnic compared to 2G to 3G. As in one Japanese operator saying it'll cost around 10% of what it did to switch to 3G. Another factor to consider is that certain 4G standards more or less exist already, such as WiMAX, albeit with higher level services like voice not standardized yet. Indeed, WiMAX is considered the likely primary system for the 700MHz spectrum that's being auctioned off soon.
Another thing which is bothering me is that T-Mobile US has had UMTS spectrum covering the entire country now
since late last year and put in their 2006 Annual Report that they'd already blanketed the New York area in UMTS service. It's now September, and they've yet to roll out a single 3G handset. I'm wondering if they're having second thoughts and considering waiting another year and using the spectrum for 4G instead. Same costs, superior network, in theory anyway.
3G is considered a white elephant by much of the industry. Nobody ever offered any compelling services over it. It was too slow, had too high latency, and had too poor capacity, to be a serious Internet service provision system. Few people were interested in streaming media services. 4G at least has the capability to be something better.
There are similarities, but the G5 was a specific chip line from one manufacturer, whereas all cellphone manufacturers are clamoring for better power consumption in their high-end handsets.
This is true, and generally my comments are a little tongue in cheek. I'm not sure I even believe the power consumption excuse, there are plenty of UMTS phones out there with acceptable power consumption (and plenty of 2G phones, like most Motorolas I've ever had, that have poor power consumption)
Over-all though, it'd be interesting to see how much of a difference 4G makes, whether any networks are up within the next 18 months and whether, if they are, Apple embraces 4G with more enthusiasm than it's showing for 3G.