Smart installs 3G GSM base stations

Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. has started installing new GSM base station equipment that will substantially increase the capacity of its digital mobile phone network and also make it easier to install a third-generation (3G) system in the future.

3G is the next generation of mobile communications that allows for faster transmission speeds from 114 kbps up to 2 Mbps, making possible high-speed data communications and mobile multimedia services such as video conferencing, audio streaming and mobile Internet. NTT DoCoMo of Japan is scheduled to launch the world’s first 3G service in May of this year using the WCDMA or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access platform.

In the Philippines, Smart and Globe Telecom are planning to introduce 3G in two to three years’ time subject to the availability of handsets. Right now, what is being offered in the country is the second generation (2G) mobile phone technology or GSM which allows users to send text messages.

The new equipment, called UltraSite, is part of the $300-million GSM network expansion agreement signed last year between Smart and Finnish mobile phone manufacturer Nokia.

UltraSite base stations are about half the size of earlier equipment but can handle over twice the number of subscribers.

In line with Smart’s preparations for 3G, UltraSite base stations have the added advantage of being upgradeable to support the operations of the third-generation mobile phone system currently under development.

"We have been taking concrete steps in preparation for the next generation wireless technologies," said Napoleon L. Nazareno, Smart president and chief executive officer.

"Depending on the traffic load, UltraSite stations can carry anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 subscribers versus 5,000 to 6,000 for the older models," said Rolando G. Peña, head of Smart’s network services division.

Peña said 25 UltraSites have already been installed in Metro Manila, Cavite and Cabanatuan, adding that "hundreds more" will be set up to form the core of the company’s future network.

UltraSites will help Smart accomplish its P21-billion network expansion program for this year. Aside from expanding its network of base stations, the company aims to further increase the switch capacity of its GSM network from about four million subscribers today to over six million by end-2001.

Already the country’s largest-capacity GSM network, Smart’s expanded network will be capable of providing general packet radio system (GPRS) services. GPRS is a mobile phone platform that enables operators to offer always-online Internet services on cellular phones.

The introduction of GPRS is part of the company’s preparations for the future introduction of the third-generation (3G) mobile phone system currently under development.