What to expect from mobile networks in 2014: The 4G car, LTE Broadcast and small cells

2013 was largely a year of entrenchment in the US mobile industry. Carriers expanded their 4G footprints geographically and added new capacity to meet the demands of an increasing number of LTE devices. But in 2014, we’re going to see carriers get a bit more experimental with their networks and their services. Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile all have varying projects in the works that will result will result in faster, better performing networks, change the way services like voice and video are delivered to the handset and bring vehicles into the 4G fold. Here’s a look at what’s in store for our mobile networks in 2014.

At Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark (NJ), Verizon will convert some of its LTE systems from two-way to one-way streets. We’re going to see the first LTE-connected vehicles in 2014, and right now it seems like a race between Audi, General Motors and Tesla to see who can get a 4G car on US roads first. Operators spent the last few years building LTE coverage, but with their initial 4G rollouts complete or near completion they’re now starting to focus on capacity. We’re already seeing all four nationwide operators soup up their LTE speeds and capacity with new spectrum, but in 2014, they’ll start using a different tool: the small cell. Next year both Verizon and AT&T will be finally ready to make their first moves toward all-IP communications. AT&T has said it would seed the network with the first VoLTE-capable handsets this year and launch an IP-phone service in 2014.

[Dec 27]