The next three years will see the introduction of packet data offerings on
GSM. There will also be the emergence of new radio coding schemes to bring
data rates up to 50 kbit/s. The introduction of 3rd Generation networks bri
nging the capability to deliver 500 kbit/s to the wide area will also be se
en. For higher data rates closer to that of fixed networks (500 kbit/s to 1
6 Mbit/s), cordless technologies such as Bluetooth, DECT or HIPERLAN are ev
olving. Applications are currently limited to home or corporate use but wit
h the right development these technologies could become suitable alternativ
es to the cellular network where very high data rates are needed Additional
ly, the market for wireless systems offering a direct replacement to fixed
wired access is exploding. Systems offering anything from 64 kbit/s to 50 M
bit/s are available and offer new entrants the potential to rapidly and eco
nomically establish direct access to their customers. Will this be the take
-up of wireless data at last? This paper explores the scenarios that these
technologies bring to the market-place and how they will be making a differ
ence. Wireless access has finally come of age.