Three or four years ago I was anticipating the introduction of long range wifi services which would enable me to use my iPod Touch effectively, much like a smartphone.
It never happened. Perhaps there would have been a problem with erratic signals. Who can say?
I really don't know if there was a problem with the technology, but it seems to me that there was no interest in developing it because it wouldn't make any money.
Mobile phone companies seem to be the mainstay of most stock exchanges, so business has no interest in providing low cost solutions.
UK mobile companies invested mega-bucks in installing 3G technology and paying for licences, so there has been no interest in going 4G.
The USA, having been confined to dial up internet for so long has leap frogged us and now runs 4G. Of course, the equipment is incompatible with European telecoms equipment so the 4G slot in my Motorola Xoom is likely to remain redundant.
Well, Orange and T-Mobile have taken the plunge and are now offering Everything, Everywhere on 4G. Presumably, the costs of setting up 3G have been more or less recouped. But, naturally, I'd need to buy a new phone. I am really reluctant to take on a contract offering a phone as you end up paying more than it's worth, certainly by the end of the contract.
I did succumb earlier this year when I discovered Virgin Mobile was offering smartphone contracts at the same price that I was continuing to pay for my trusty Nokia. Thus I now have 3 smartphones. My'ancient' HTC for my ancient Orange account, a Samsung Galaxy II for my 3 account, the most cost effective of all plans at the time I took it on, and a Samsung Ace for my Virgin Mobile account, which is the number that I give everyone just in case they might want to call me.
Except that Virgin have neglected to reduce the tariff as they promised - TWICE!
Seriously fed up with mobile phone companies.
