"Mobile communications are about to enter the third stage in their development, widely known as 3G, which will bring always-on Internet access to mobile devices. However, whereas the technological issues are being successfully addressed, the issue of whether 3G services will make a profit for their providers remains an unanswered question. This book investigates the history of mobile communications and explores the technological background to 3G in a user-friendly manner.

A thorough examination of the licensing process throughout the world identifies all the players and their prospects. The overall prospects for 3G are then addressed through a comprehensive analysis of the issues raised by the licensing process. The book concludes with an in-depth case study of Vodafone, the leading mobile operator in the world." "This book provides a timely, up-to-date analysis of an industrial sector undergoing a period of unprecedented change."--BOOK JACKET.