Natrindo to launch 3G mid-2006
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.