Digital vs Analog: Does it really matter?

Contrary to popular belief, the analog cellular phone is still very much alive and kicking. In the United States, we still find more people using the analog-based Advanced Mobile Phone System than those using the digital-based system. The distinction may be misleading also. In fact, the only analog signals used in any cellular phone network are found between the handphones and the Radio Base Station (RBS). From the RBSs to the Mobile Telephone Exchange and the rest of the network, all signals are completely digital. If we go deeper into the history of cellular phones, we will learn that the construction of the cellular network became possible only after digital computers were invented.

Then comes the crucial question: Which is better, digital or analog? The answer is not black and white, but here are some superior features of the analog system. First, on the analog system, the phone connection is more tolerant to weak signals. We may hear a lot of crackling noise, but the connection is maintained and we can resume our phone conversation after, for instance, we step out of the elevator.

Second, the analog signals have better capability to penetrate buildings. People in the basements of high rise buildings can usually maintain good connections if they use AMPS handphones.

Third, the caller's voice heard on an AMPS handphone is much closer to the original, as the analog system does not modulate the sound signal. Fourth, at present, Komselindo offers the largest coverage for Indonesia, which is made possible by the use of the analog system.

In addition, AMPS customers have a wider choice of handphones, as most handphone makers have realized that the predicted demise of AMPS missed the point. At the moment, there are at least 36 different models of AMPS handphones from 17 vendors that customers can choose from.

Nonetheless, technology never stands still. As telecommunication technology advances, its application should be implemented to achieve greater efficiency and, preferably, lower costs to end users. With this in mind, Komselindo will be experimenting with the newer generation of digital cellular technology called Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, later this year. The operator also plans to make the services commercially available in the first quarter of next year.

Why CDMA? According to Feisal Assegaf, Komselindo's Public Relations Executive, there are a number of reasons. First, the new technology offers higher capacity -- at least 10 times bigger -- than AMPS for the same frequency range. This means that more users can be accommodated without having to split cells into smaller ones as demands grow.

Second, CDMA can be implemented easily in an AMPS network, thus eliminating the need to invest in the construction of a new network. Third, handoffs will cause no interruption to an existing call, because a CDMA handphone can transmit from two cells simultaneously. This is a great advantage that those who send and receive digital data will love. Their modems will continuously enjoy clean connections even when handoffs occur once every minute, as these customers move from cell to cell. "Another benefit from the customers' point of view," adds Feisal, "is that CDMA's voice quality is promised to be even better than the analog system."

Obsolescence is one thing that early adopters of new technology generally have to suffer. They invest in equipment that can no longer be used in two or three years' time. However, Komselindo, with its undisputable commitment to its customers, will make sure that investment in today's AMPS handphones will not be lost with the introduction of the new system. AMPS services will continue to be provided, and those with dual-mode handphones can even take advantage of the old and the new systems.

So, with a better understanding of the technology, the distinction between analog and digital is no longer so important, is it? (zia)