Yesterday Telstra launched it’s new network - Next G - but what is it all about?

Next G is a network based on 3G HSDPA technology utilising the 850MHz spectrum. 3G relates to the third generation of developments in wireless technology, which you may be familar with the Three network who operates a 3G network. Vodafone, Optus and Virgin also provide access to 3G networks.

The Next G network differs to these and Telstras existing 3G network with use of HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology that can deliver average data throughput rates to the subscriber of 550-1100 Kbps and peak theoretical rates of 14 Mbps. For network providers HSDPA is being touted as a low-cost path to fast mobile broadband.
What does it offer the consumer? Faster data speeds means the capability for enhanced multimedia services ie. movies, news etc. streamed or downloaded to your handset. For business it enhances the abilities of the mobile office with faster data access.

Things to be considered in this evolution of faster access, and there’s no doubt the other networks will follow, are what is the cost for the consumer and what content will be available? If using a mobile handset you’ll have access to a wide array of content and services but what are the charges for using these services, what services would you be likely to use on a regular basis, are they gimmicky or is it handy to know that they are there when needed? Watching movies on a handset is cool, but honestly if you liked it would’nt you rather watch it on a bigger screen than a handset? These are the questions content for wireless developers must be asking constantly in the search for useful applications rather than delivering applications and content that merely pleases the bored.

The other question is who will provide this content to be delivered to mobile handsets? It has been seen in the past that network operators are very reluctantant to have open access, preffering for the consumer to only have access to their content that they can control and earn from. This is probably an issue for the future, and for government media regulation, as it becomes more mainstream and perhaps recognised in the same way as a radio or TV station would be.

For the road warrior (mobile office) or laptop user there are competitors to HSDPA in the mobile broadband feild being WiMax (IEEE 802.16) wich has the capability to offer fast speeds and or good coverage. WiMax is currently being rolled out accross Australia by Unwired with investments from Intel.

The good news really is that there are investments being made into faster broadband communication options in Australia, at last…at last!

Data speeds compared:
Note: wireless networks speeds can depend on proximatey to tower, weather conditions, terrain etc., speeds indicated are download speeds, and as a guide.
Dial Up: 56kbps
Cable Broadband: 8mbps to 17mbps
ADSL: 256kbps to 1500kbps
Wireless mobile (GPRS, EvDO, CDMA):80kbps - 1mbps depending on type of network.
HSDPA: 550kbps to 1.5Mbps: (future speeds of up to 14.4 mbps capable)
WiMax: 1.5mbps (touted future speeds of up to 70 mbps)

Terms Used:
GPRS - General Packet Radio Service
EDGE - Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access
WiMax - wireless metropolitan area network
HSDPA - High Speed Downlink Packet Access

Tags: 3g, mobile phones, australia, tech, telstra, broadband, mobile network