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How different were the
earlier generations phones?
The first generation phones introduced in the 1980s used analog radio
technology. Japan launched the first commercial mobile phone system in 1979.
By the early 1990s, the second generation or 2G phones had completely
replaced the first generations. The main differences was that 2G phones were
digital., which meant that the voice itself during the call is encoded to
digital signals whereas in 1G it is only modulated to higher frequency,
typically 150 MHz and up. The other major advancement was that 2G phones
allowed text messages (SMS). 2G networks were built mainly for voice data
and slow transmission.
But with rising user expectations the networks soon moved on to the 2.5G
phones with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) that enables mobile phone to
access certain websites. However GPRS can only go up to 144 bits per second
compared to 3Gs2 Megabits per second speed. Colored screens with
camera-featured mobile phones, gaming and MP3 music where also introduced in
2.5G stage.
What are the new
services that 3G promises?
The main services are M commerce (Mobile Commerce) and global positioning. A
3G user can access, organize and carry out financial transactions, trade
stocks, manage pavements etc. Global positioning enables the user to know
their current location, get information about traffic conditions and get
directions to reach a certain place. Live streaming of radio and television
to 3G handsets is seen as the future with some companies recently announcing
these services.
How popular are 3G
phones?
3G networks worldwide had 295 million subscribers by the end of 2007, which
is about 9% of the worldwide subscriber base. The 3G telecom services
generated over $120 billion dollars in the revenues during 2007.
In many markets, the majority of new phones activated were 3G phones. Second
generation phones have been almost completely phased out in Japan and South
Korea. Many mobile phone users are switching to 3G phones saying it is no
more just a phone or an advanced communication system but like a mobile
personal computer.
What is the next
anticipated development of mobile phones?
Work has already started on the next generation 4G phones, which it is
claimed will be 50 times faster than 3G phones and this enhanced capacity is
expected to enable three dimensional renderings and other virtual
experiences on the mobile phones.
This phone, which is expected to be out by 2010, is expected to be able to
receive data at 100 Mb per second on the move and up to 1GN per second while
static. An entire DVD could be downloaded within a minute. The technology
being worked on is supposed to increase download speeds by using multiple
radio frequencies to send the same data.
Source : Times of India |
