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Digging deeper, however, the numbers show that the largest number of U.S. consumer iPhone users are consuming 100 to 500 megabytes per month, with about 5 percent using more than a gigabyte per month (see bar chart: MB Usage - iPhone). These users

are pushing the limits of what 3G can do, as evidenced by the outcry from AT&T's data users regarding poor network performance and AT&T's request that iPhone users throttle it back a bit. Part of this phenomenon is due to the unlimited data plan to which all U.S. iPhone users must subscribe. But the real driver is the user experience. The iPhone already provides a 4G like experience because it supports desktop-like Internet; advanced voice and presence applications like Skype; location-based services like the app that tells you how long the lines at Disney World are and which one is closest to you; and a lot more.

It is arguable that 3G networks, having emerged from voice-centric GSM and CDMA technology platforms, were never designed to support this kind of experience. Hence, they are beginning to break down under the demand from complex, data-hungry services. This suggests that the demand for 4G has arrived, and is growing. An important question to consider is how long it will take for 4G to be pushed to its limits, given the service experience envisioned, and how soon we'll be clamoring for 5G capabilities?