3G technology is the future that we dreamed of<\/p>\n
Eva C. Komandjaja
\nThe Jakarta Post
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
As children, we imagined what the future would look like. Cars
\ngliding through the air, funny-shaped tall buildings, people
\nwearing silver jumpsuits, and the most intriguing, an electronic
\ngadget, which comprised of a computer, TV and cellular phone, all
\nin one.<\/p>\n
Well, that fantasy is now a reality. The new third generation
\n(3G) wireless networks bring the future into our hands.<\/p>\n
\"This 3G technology is already here, we do not have to wait,\"
\nsaid Harry Nugraha, senior director of Qualcomm International.
\nQualcomm developed the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
\ndigital wireless technology, which formed the basis of 3G.<\/p>\n
The networks can be accessed not only from cellular phones but
\nalso from notebook computers and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs),
\nthat support the technology. Therefore, 3G-networks-enabled
\ngadgets should be referred to as 3G devices, not 3G cellular
\nphones.<\/p>\n
The development of these advanced networks was simultaneous
\nwith the availability of the first generation of cellular phone
\nnetworks (1G) -- Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) -- in 1983.
\nThese networks used analog signals and their only function was to
\nfacilitate phone calls. Within a few years, new subscribers
\nsigned up for the service, the networks were heavily frequented
\nand dropped calls and busy signals posed a significant problem.<\/p>\n
To solve such problems by accommodating more traffic, the
\nwireless industry developed digital technologies, namely the Time
\nDivision Multiple Access (TDMA) and Global System for Mobile
\n(GSM). Both use a time-sharing protocol to provide three to four
\ntimes more capacity than the analog system. Not only can
\nsubscribers make phone calls, but send text messages and connect
\nto the Internet using Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).<\/p>\n
The 2.5G phone with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
\nconnection became available recently in an interim stage between
\nGSM technology and third generation (3G) technology. The 2.5G
\nnetworks transfer data at speeds of 114Kbps (kilobits per second)
\nfaster than 2G networks. Subscribers can alternate between using
\nthe Internet, sending or receiving multimedia messages (sound and
\npicture messages) and making phone calls, (without losing the
\nconnection).<\/p>\n
Another technology, called CDMAOne, offers still more benefits
\nto subscribers and operators, such as an increase in capacity, to
\neight to 10 times that of an AMPS analog system. Call quality is
\nalso improved, with better sound and increased talk time for
\nportable devices.<\/p>\n
In 1999, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
\ndefined requirements for 3G service, including improved system
\ncapacity and compatibility with second generation (2G) technology
\nand also high speed packet data service.<\/p>\n
\"3G services offer a speed of up to 384Kbps in urban
\nenvironments and are expected to reach 2Mbps in fixed or in-
\nbuilding environments, and much more mobile applications,\" said
\nHarry.<\/p>\n
\"There are three 3G technologies so far, CDMA2000, WCDMA and
\nTD-SCDMA,\" he explained.<\/p>\n
Migration paths from existing systems such as GSM, TDMA and
\nCDMA to 3G technologies already exist, so wireless subscribers
\naround the world need not worry about whether they can use their
\ndevices or not.<\/p>\n
To experience the 3G technology, CDMAOne can directly migrate
\nto CDMA2000 networks while a TDMA operator can go directly to
\nCDMA2000. But an operator will probably choose to migrate from
\nTDMA to GSM\/GPRS first, then to WCDMA by following the steps
\nbelow.<\/p>\n
For GSM networks, the path may first lead to GPRS, then
\noperators can switch to WCDMA directly or to Enhanced Data-rate
\nfor Global Evolution (EDGE). If they go directly, additional
\ninvestment will be required as the new spectrum is beyond what
\nmost operators posses today.<\/p>\n
Another solution is that GSM and TDMA can migrate to 3G
\ntechnology by employing EDGE. EDGE creates a smooth, cost-
\nefficient migration pathway and allows operators to leverage the
\nconsiderable advantages of GPRS including fast-connect set-ups
\nand measurably higher bandwidth. EDGE capabilities improve
\ncoverage, capacity and streamline migration to a full-service 3G
\nnetwork.<\/p>\n
In the 3G, enhanced bandwidth capabilities and advanced
\nterminals enable mobile applications such as video and audio,
\neither real time or downloads, such as two-way video conferencing
\nwith audio and video streaming. With faster speed, we do not have
\nto worry about the sounds and the video being choppy.<\/p>\n
3G device users will also be able to connect to online gaming
\nexperiences or downloads, as well as trying out and purchasing
\ngames from the Internet. This technology is making it possible to
\nplay games across various handset manufacturers, even computers.
\n\"So it is possible for a person to play a multi-user game from
\nhis\/her cell phone while the other player is using his\/her
\ncomputer,\" said Harry.<\/p>\n
Other new applications are the implanted Global Positioning
\nSystem (GPS) chips inside the device to support location-based
\nservices, making it possible to identify the location of a cell
\nphone when it is turned on.<\/p>\n
Businesspeople will be able to use this technology to track
\ntheir fleets and personnel, parents can use it to track their
\nchildren and 3G-device owners can trace their stolen gadgets.<\/p>\n
But the 3G device also brings with it security issues. Since
\nthe device functions as an e-wallet for subscriber's electronic
\ncash, ideally the device should be rendered useless once it is
\nlost. Perhaps in the future, it will be equipped with high-
\nsecurity measures such as voice, fingerprint or iris recognition.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, a bidding process for a 3G license was arranged
\nby the Directorate General of Post and Telecommunications early
\nin October. PT. Cyber Access Communications has won the first 3G
\nlicense in Indonesia. This means that we will be able to enjoy
\nthe 3G network soon.<\/p>",
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