According to a new SBD report - The opportunities for cellular, WiFi and WiMax in telematics - although WiFi and WiMax can deliver benefits to the end-user in terms of operating speed, convenience and cost, they remain limited in their scope for in-car use compared to cellular.

The report provides a clear overview and comparison of the key characteristics of each technology, including their quality of service, cost of access, cost of devices, service coverage, mobility and data speed. These findings provide the basis for evaluating their relative suitability as a bearer for vehicle telematics applications.

David McClure, SBD director of ITS & telematics, says that while speed is the factor that’s currently driving the development of technologies such as WiFi and WiMax, these are not crucial in a car because the volume of data typically being generated is relatively small.

McClure says that for now and in the near future, cellular technology will offer the best all-round service for vehicle telematics in Europe as it continues to offer coverage, mobility and quality of service that’s better suited to use when on the move in a vehicle.

The research includes full details on the evolution of cellular bearers from 2G to 4G, standards and availability of WiFi hotspots, the development, availability and outlook for WiMax, and the early prospects for Mobile-Fi.

Click here to see a sample of the report.

Published: February 2007
Pages: 33
Report price:
Limited access - £950
Multi-user access - £1,150