3G Demonstrations

Although 3G is already one of the most common features among handsets today, there are several innovations and changes that had to be done to get it working the way it is at present. Several countries and mobile networks introduced various technologies and efficiencies, through demonstrations to hopefully appeal to the customers that need 3G the most. Here are some more details on the development of the technology.

First Demonstration

m.Net Corporation created the first pre-commercial demonstration in Adelaide, South Australia, for the southern hemisphere in February 2002. UMTS on 2100 MHz was used for the demo. The demonstration network was made for the 2002 IT World Congress. Hutchison Telecommunications launched the first commercial 3G network, called Three, in April 2003.

As of December 2007, there were 190 3G networks functioning in 40 nations, with 150 HSDPA networks operating in 71 nations, according to the GSA or Global Mobile Suppliers Association. Telecommunications use W-CDMA technology in the United States, Europe, Asia and Canada, together with the support of about 100 terminal styles to function 3G mobile networks.

More on 3G Networks

In Europe, there were volume market commercial 3G services introduced and launched beginning in March 2003. This was by nations, namely the United Kingdom, Italy and a part of Hutchison Whampoa. 3G operators were suggested by the European Union Council to cover 80%PRCTG% of the European national populations as 2005 ends.

Roll-out of 3G networks were also delayed in a number of nations through the big prices of added spectrum licensing costs and fees. In several nations, 3G networks do not apply similar radio frequencies as 2G, so mobile operators should create wholly new netowrks and permit totally new frequencies.

The United States is an exception since carriers function 3G service via the same frequencies as other given services. The license fees in a number of European nations also tend to be high, pushed by sealed bid auctions, the growing excitement over the effects and potential of 3G technology and the government auctions of a certain number of licenses. The expenses of upgrading tools and equipment for new systems also triggered more delays.

Getting Connected

As of June 2007, there are already over 200 million 3G subscribers connected. The number, however, comprises only 6.7%PRCTG% of the 3 billion total number of mobile phone subscriptions all over the world. Japan and South Korea were the very first nations to be connected and launched the 3G, so over 70%PRCTG% of the total mobile phone subscriptions are connected. Italy has the highest number of connections in Europe with 33%PRCTG% of subscribers having the technology. Other countries that also lead include the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and Austria, with over 20%PRCTG% 3G migration.

Licenses and Connection

A statistic that might confuse you are counting 3G clients together with CDMA 2000 1x RTT. Via the definition, the total 3G subscriber based with be around 475 million as of June 2007, with 15.8%PRCTG% of all subscribers around the globe. A lot of big countries like Indonesia have not yet been given 3G licenses, as more and more clients await the service. China has postponed the decision to get 3G for several years.

In May 2008, China decided that three 3G networks will be given to China Mobile, the biggest mobile operator. The telecommunications sector in the country has been re-organized.

Where 3G is Now

Technology changes very quickly, which is why you have to be very sure about the gadgets and tools you purchase to get the most benefits. There are several generations available, as far as mobile phones are concerned. You may find that some are still very functional enough to provide for your personal and professional needs. Here are some details about the technology and corresponding network.

The Technical Terms

Generations are defined according to their period of existence. The first kinds are 1G networks, namely C-Nets, NMT, TACS and AMPS which are categorized among the first analogue cellular systems. These began in the early periods of the 1980s. There are radio telephone systems before these. The 2G networks, namely DAMPS, GSM and CDMAOne are the initial digital cellular systems released during the early 1990s. The 2.5G networks, CDMA2000 1x and GPRS are the improved versions of the 2G networks with information speeds moving up to 144 Kbps.

3G networks, namely UMTS TDD and UMTS FDD, CDMA2000 3x, TD-SCDMA, CDMA2000 1x EVDO, Arib WCDMA, IMT-2000 DECT and EDGE are the most recent cellular networks with data rates ranging up to 384 Kbit/s and higher. 4G is generally a marketing concept at present. There are already studies and research being conducted to develop the 4G, although no frequencies have been assigned yet. This newest technology is expected to launch in 2012.

The International Groups

ETSI or European Telecommunications Standards Institute is functioning in Europe to improve technical standards for the UMTS. 3GPP or 3rd Generation Partnership Project is a participation between international standards groups will lead to UMTS and 3G mobile telephony technical specifications. The starting members include TTC and ARIB from Japan, TTA of Korea, T1 (ANSI) of the United States and ETSI from Europe. The function of the groups is presented globally by the ITU or International Telecommunication Union.

ITU direct worldwide spectrum and the standardization of IMT2000, lets regional regulatory policies work together and is a framework and base for 3G combination over different technologies and regions. The UMTS Forum shows the opinions and views of the telecommunication operators and industry. These are a mobile operator group, together with GSM Associates. European Union or EU brings together the 15 members on implementation of the UMTS.

Comparing UMTS

UMTS is quite different and unique from other 2G networks at present. It offers higher speech quality that available networks now have, in addition to speech traffic UMTS, with information services and advanced information. UMTS is advantageous compared to 2G because of its capacity to support 2 Mbit/s data speeds. UMTS is considered as a true global system, made of both satellite and terrestrial components. The consistent service area is one of the best aspects, even when the person is roaming through the VHE or Virtual Home Environment. Users still get to have a variety of services, despite a roaming status.

Being Wideband

WCDMA is called wideband, because 3G WCDMA systems have a bandwidth of 5 MHz in a single direction. 5 MHz is not considered wide or narrow, but the bandwidth is relatively very high. The recent 3G WCDMA systems have a bigger bandwidth compared to current 2G CDMA systems. The new 3G WCDMA systems have wider bandwidth compared to current CDMA systems. There are also commercial CDMA systems with 20 MHz bandwidth.

Choosing a 3G Unit

Before you decide to upgrade your current gadget and start investing on 3G technology, you have to learn how to weigh the advantages and disadvantages first. There are several features to consider to ensure that you are getting the most out of your money. Price can become an issue, as well as the service providers since speeds can become unreliable at times if you do not understand the standard. Here are some tips to get you started.

Why You Need a Unit

First, you have to consider your reasons for investing in 3G technology. Do you usually make video calls to individuals from the other side of the planet? Are you very well equipped in terms of financial support and know-how on the new technology to use it to its optimum potential? Do you feel as if your current gadget no longer serves the purpose efficiently?

These are just some of the considerations if you plan to buy a new 3G unit. Take note that some of these devices can cost several hundreds of dollars, depending on the design and manufacturer. If you are not quite familiar with 2G or earlier models, you may be better off delaying the option until you have expanded your knowledge on its many uses.

Finding the Sources

There are several places where you can purchase the latest 3G gadgets. You have to study the background and visions of each given manufacturer first to know whether their virtues and goals coincide with your own needs and personal requirements. You can visit the official web sites of the biggest names and companies to determine the most recent models, and if there are other add-ons and tools available.

You can also rely on these sources to get excellent prices. Some of the best products available can be seen on the internet. You should take time to study the features and special characteristics of each gadget, to determine if it is the right one that suits your business and personal requirements. You can also talk to local dealers and consider other aspects like warranty, service providers and connectivity.

On Service Providers

There are now several service providers for 3G all over the world. You can find out more about the services and offers of each by calling or visiting their company web site. Determine the type of technology and platform that you are using and check how well you can take advantage of the given aspects and features. Among the many service providers, you should also check if they guarantee clear and crisp connectivity consistently, regardless of the time and location of the customer.

A good 3G service provider should have a customer center and hotline, wherein you can immediately call if ever you need assistance about any given tool. You should also be given a manual and other types of help when it comes to connectivity. You should know the standard speed, so that you can compare how much you are currently getting and using up against the speeds that you expect and paid for.

How to Use 3G

Take note of the important aspects of 3G, such as speed, connectivity and accessibility. You should expect to enjoy several features and functions like downloading videos and music, video calling or talking to a friend without any communication problems for several hours or minutes and accessibility to information and data over the internet.

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