LTE and WiMax are the two technologies poised to dominate next-generation mobile networks, says Aussie-based telco guru Paul Budde in a new report. But local LTE trialist Vodafone, and early WiMax adopter Kordia, still see the technologies as some years off.

A so-called “4G” cellular technology, LTE (Long Term Evolution) offers up to 50Mbit/s download speed to a mobile device (with a theoretical maximum oer 100Mbit/s). That is, more than five times faster than what most people experience on landline DSL broadband today, and 10 times faster than 3G broadband. That’s enough bandwidth to watch high definition TV broadcast to your iPhone.

A team from Nokia-Siemens recently installed a demo LTE network at Vodafone’s Auckland headquarters, which in a closed test circuit did provide blazing speed.

In the US, the part Vodafone-owned Verizon Wireless has announced a 700MHz LTE network, which will go live in 2010 and be completed in 2012. AT&T is following suit.

Vodafone NZ CEO Russell Stanners said at the demo that if his company deploys LTE, it will be after 2010 (when the current 3G bunfight should be settled).

Stanners noted that a roll-out would be relatively easy, as it would only require a software upgrade to Vodafone’s existing base stations.

However, LTE won’t hit its 50Mbit/s maximum speed won’t necessarily translate to that speed in real-life, as the bandwidth will be shared by multiple customers.

Stanners says he’s technology-agnostic, and is keeping an eye on WiMax developments (a WiMax network was recently rolled out in the US by key Telecom NZ technology partner Sprint). However, Vodafone has no immediate plans to invest in that area.

Bankrolled in part by Intel's venture capital division – rather than any of the traditional infrastructure builders from the telco side of the fence – WiMax is wi-fi on steroids, beaming a wireless broadband signal for kilometres rather than wi-fi's metres. 

Kordia is trialling a limited WiMax pilot. CEO Geoff Hunt tells NBR his company has no immediate plans for a nationwide roll-out, which he characterises as very capital intensive for the state-owned enterprise, which is already highly-geared.. But Mr Hunt does see WiMax as a likely medium or long-term solution for rural broadband woes.

CallPlus CEO Mark Callendar says his company plans to expand its own WiMax network, which is currently commercially available in Hamilton and Whangarei, but has not committed to a budget or time-frame. Speed is currently around the 3G level, but WiMax has the potential to match LTE's 4G bandwidth.

See also: Telecoms survey reveals the big, big numbers.