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.

Google has today filed a patent application for technology that lets a mobile phone automatically detect the cheapest wi-fi, WiMax or cellular plan in any given location.

The idea is that rather than being tied to a single phone company or ISP plan, your cellphone and automatically pick-and-mix from the cheapest connection options as you move around.