About the seminar

This talk will explore the development of mobile data communications over 2G GSM and 3G UMTS networks. The influence of this period within the history of technology cannot be understated as today we take mobile data for granted however this certainly wasn't the case just 20 years ago, even then it was limited to some kilobits per second. This talk will explore developments within the mobile communications eco-systems which started with low-speed circuit switched data and evolved through the introduction of packet switched data. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) revolutionised mobile data communications and laid the foundation for the mobile broadband era. The introduction of HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Data) enabled “Dongle-Mania” and truly mobilised the laptop computer.

About the speaker

Professor Andy Sutton is a Distinguished Engineer with BT where he is employed as a Principal Network Architect. He is focused on 4G LTE and 5G network strategy and architecture with particular emphasis on radio access networks and mobile backhaul, including satellite communications. Andy holds an MSc in Mobile Communications from the University of Salford, he’s a Chartered Engineer and holds Fellowships from the IET, ITP and BCS. Andy holds the posts of Visiting Professor of Telecommunications at the University of Liverpool and University of Salford. He has co-authored 5 books on telecommunications related topics and sits on the editorial board of the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals journal.

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