Book Review: The New World of Wireless How to Compete in the 4G Revolution by Scott Snyder

Book Review: The New World of Wireless How to Compete in the 4G Revolution by Scott Snyder: Publisher- Wharton School Publishing: ISBN- 13: 978-0-13-700379-2

The New World of Wireless depicts two possible scenarios on effect of 4G technology on society and business. Book then focuses on business strategy to be adopted by enterprise to take advantage of scenarios emerging.

Certainly book projects new thought for business but it does not try to pick any cue from historical events and scenarios which has emerged in other industries.

Though book does not discuss this but both scenarios have parallel scenarios in today's world. Take example of computer operating systems (Microsoft Windows - dominant in consumer arena, UNIX - AIX, HP UX, Solaris, BSD etc - dominant in server market and linux and with its numerous variant trying to dominant consumer and server market simultaneously). Nature Align scenario is too good to be true due to current geo political conditions, IP related issues and desire of corporations to dominant the market (for example in social networking Google has tried to enforce its standard for communication - which miserably failed). On the same lines, Killer Bee scenario on the other extreme. I visualize scenario in wireless communication will be very similar to computer operating system, where no one standard dominates but each has strong presence in their respective fields and trying to encroach in others strong areas.

Scenario one, Virtual network provider (VNP) consolidates network capability from various network providers. Consumers get the network access via VNP. For example in Indian context, Virgin Mobile is acting not only over Tata Telecom netork but also over Reliance, Bharti, Vodaphone and others. Consumer logs into Virgin network (!) which in turn gets access to all underlying networks. This type of model is must for Nature Align scenario. Book is missing on such details.

Nevertheless, book provides fresh insight on 4G technologies on society and businesses. Book also introduces two important and interested concepts, Digital Swarm and Wireless IQ (WIQ).

I certainly recommend this book from strategic thinking perspective.


Disclaimer: I did not get paid to review this book, and I do not stand to gain anything if you buy the book. I have no relationship with the publisher or the author.


One can get more information about book and related topics from:

1. Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/New-World-Wireless-Revolution-ebook/dp/B002HMJY6U
2. Publisher - Wharton School Publishing http://www.whartonsp.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=013700379X
3. Podcast of Author http://www.enterpriseleadership.org/blogs/podcasts/2009/11/13/dr-scott-snyder-author-talks-about-4g-wireless-disruptive-technology-and-what-cios-need-to-do-now
4. Safari: http://my.safaribooksonline.com/9780137026845
5. Interview with author: http://www.smartplanet.com/people/blog/pure-genius/how-4g-accelerates-the-wireless-revolution-and-how-to-compete/826/
6. Author’s Employer: http://www.thinkdsi.com/index.asp
7. Review: http://strategicframing.com/2009/07/31/digital-swarms-anyone-the-new-world-of-wireless
8. Funny 4G: http://www.squidoo.com/What_Makes_4G_The_Inevitable_Future
9. Interesting site on Mobile and Wireless: http://mobilebeyond.net/