Natrindo to launch 3G mid-2006
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Not content with its status as a local telecommunications service provider, PT Natrindo Telepon Selular (NTS) has said it is ready to launch long-awaited third generation (3G) services in the middle of next year to tighten its grip on the sector.
"Our current focus is to realize our commitment to the government to provide 3G services. We are more than ready to launch the services by mid next year," said NTS president director Kusnadi Sukarja last week.
Previously serving around 12,000 customers in East Java, the GSM-based network provider received a license in September 2004 to provide 3G services on a national basis.
Malaysian telecommunications firm Maxis Communications, already providing 3G services in the neighboring country, acquired a 51 percent stake in NTS for US$100 million last January.
However, 3G services are still not available.
"The network and technical designs are ready. Some problems are occurring in tower constructions, but Maxis is experienced enough to give us all the help we need," said Kusnadi.
He refused to give details on construction progress and the vendors taking part.
In Malaysia, Maxis appointed Ericsson in September to expand its 3G network. Ericsson will manage and operate the company's 3G network and equipments in all areas of 3G coverage.
Among the various 3G services, NTS will probably highlight a real-time camera surveillance facility, said Kusnadi. "The service is like CCTV (closed-circuit television), but can be accessed through mobile handsets. It is a useful feature among other "fun" 3G features," he said.
The 3G technology enables cellular subscribers to enjoy video streaming, video conferencing through cellular phones, in addition to a much faster data transfer.
He also explained that the target market for 3G was a lot more than current GPRS users who stood at around six million subscribers.
GPRS, which stands for General Packet Radio Service, is a mobile data service available to users of GSM-based mobile phones that provides moderate speed data transfer.
"Since 3G offers a lot more services, it is not impossible that people who have not used GPRS will jump directly to 3G technology right away," he added.
Currently holding the 10 MHz frequency for 3G, NTS said that the roll out of its services would not wait for the 3G frequency retender process to finish.
The Ministry of Communications and Information announced last week that it wanted to delay the retender process scheduled for this month to avoid being forced into making a hasty decision.