Dr. Young Kyun Kim outlined what he called the "Samsung 4G Vision" at a luncheon keynote during the recent WCA International Symposium in San Jose, California. Dr. Kim, who is chairman of the WPT Wireless Forum and Senior Vice President for Global Standards and Research for Samsung Electronics, described a "convergence of different worlds" characterized by "global competition, interconnectivity, smarter customers, and deregulation."

He pointed out that the well-known merging of consumer electronics with computer systems, telecommunications, and broadcasting is leading to a "4G World" that joins devices, networks, and services into "an information convergence" that will require increasingly seamless connections.

Increasing ubiquity of higher data transfer rates within the global wireless infrastructure will lead to a service roadmap three major stops: multimedia, digital convergence, and ubiquitous computing, according to Dr. Kim's presentation. Many people are familiar with services such as multimedia messaging that typify the first of these three stages.

Toward Wireless Ubiquity

Samsung's vision encompasses an intermediate digital convergence with things such as bi-directional HDTV, increasing e-health and e-education services, followed by an age of ubiquitous network wireless services including "3D visualization, context awareness, and intelligent agents," according to the presentation.

Samsung, of course, plans to be a major player in all aspects of this world, developing everything from leading-edge batteries to chips and displays to intelligent home networks and AI robots, Dr. Kim said. He also outlined what he referred to as "market-driven wireless broadband" and provided the example of WiBro in South Korea and how its characteristics could be promulgated worldwide based on the 802.16e standard.

As this WiBro world drives toward the 4G vision, expect to see an evolution "from fixed broadband to mobile broadband, more intelligent digital homes, converged broadband services, and personalized, convenient and seamless secured services," he concluded. Those seeking detailed technical explanations and information regarding Samsung's 4G Vision can contact Dr. Kim at youngkyunkim@samsung.com.

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