@Nita: Thanks for your note. First thing: radiation. Karolinska Institute has done extensive research on the link between mobile phones and radiation exposure. The evidence so far is inconclusive. Further on radiation, in the grand schema of all the radiation we are already subjected to, mobile towers and phones are probably minuscule. Our food and water, our use of computers/ TVs/ smoke alarms, several medical procedures all contribute to our radiation dose. Second: shared infrastructure. Interestingly that is where I believe the MNOs may be headed. If you like, listen to Peter Cochrane on this clip.

When it comes to 3G in the emerging markets the issue is a lack of backhaul infrastructure that limits the ability to build out base stations. In some areas the Government has mandated that networks share radio access networks in an effort to manage capacity. Others are looking at solutions that do not require national coverage in an effort to increase data networks using mobile standards. The arrival of LTE might offer a solution and if spectrum is re-farmed then you could see data networks making it to rural areas.

The issue of radio coverage is difficult and the use of all you can eat pricing makes it difficult to get a return on the investment. When planning for 3G, models did not see the network being used for data services but rather location based entertainment.