Third-generation mobile phone services may never appear but the cost of trying to set them up may lead to some telecoms collapsing, Prof Peter Cochrane is quoted as saying in Britain's Metronewspaper.
Mr Cochrane, who until recently led BT research into third-generation sets, said: "I think it is too expensive and it's getting rather too complicated. I don't think we are going to see 3G."
Mr Cochrane also said: "It was a bit like lemmings going over a cliff . . . Some people are betting everything on this technology. If they can't find a solution I think we will see companies collapse."
Mr Cochrane's remarks were among comments to be broadcast on The Money Programmetonight on BBC2 Television, Metroreported.