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Slow uptake predicted for mobile data

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Despite recent claims about data usage over mobile-phone networks, most of the world's traffic will remain voice-dominated for at least two more years, says Jeff Smith, product marketing manager at Tahoe Networks.

However, as network operators introduce services using data-focused technologies such as GPRS (general packet radio service) and third-generation standards, users steadily will increase data consumption.

Data would begin to overtake voice on a global basis only by 2004, he said.

Asia and Europe may reach that point before the United States, where several factors have left progress on next-generation network development behind that of other regions.

However, Mr Smith said he saw islands of deployment in the US. AT&T, for example, was offering GPRS in cities such as Seattle.

'The US carriers have announced a fairly aggressive schedule, but with limited coverage,' he said.

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