Telecom players to customize 3G services for Filipino users

After the expensive roll out and introduction of 3G (3rd Generation) network,telecommunication companies are now facing challenges on how to draw the Filipino market to embrace this newest mobile technology.

"The challenge now is for the telecommunication companies like ours, to offer fundamental applications and offer solutions so that people may find the 3G technology a necessity," said Innove Communications chief executive officer (CEO) Gil Genio.

A year from now, Filipino subscribers may expect a different situation, and the cost of service on 3G applications will no longer be an issue, as it will be comparable with the other existing services like IDD (International Direct Dialing), and the likes.

Of Globe Telecom's over 14 million mobile phone subscribers, about 100,000 users are now attached with 3G network. It means that handsets of these subscribers are log-on to 3G or in dual-mode.

Genio mentioned that there are countries, like that in Europe, which saw a discouraging turnout of the 3G technology, as revenue contributed from 3G services is unimpressive.

"Other countries tried to offer 3G network because of bandwagon. China even has yet to offer this kind of mobile technology," Genio said.

In the Philippines, touted as the "texting capital of the world, thus known to be an advanced market in mobile telecommunication that is comparable to those of developed countries, 3G approach will be made different from other countries, Genio said.

"The Philippine model for 3G application will be different. It will be made accessible, so that every consumer can use," he stressed.

The 3G wireless communications technology will make possible high-speed data, voice, and video services. It promises greater bandwidth and higher transfer rates ranging from 384 kbps (kilobyte per second) to 2 Mbps (megabyte per second), a quantum leap from GSM technology maximum speed of 9.6 kbps. This speed also allows easier Internet browsing and the downloading of huge files.

The 3G, or as the name implies, follows the first generation (1G) and second generation (2G) in wireless communications. 1G began in the late 1970's and lasted through the 1980s. These networks featured "cellular mobile radio telephone" that uses analog voice signaling.

"We [telecom companies] rolled out the 3G infrastructure as fast as we could. So what now? Not many people realized its full usage, while a lot of Filipinos can get signal or access to it," he said.

Genio stressed that 3G is an alternative way to provide people with broadband access.

"With the arrival of 3G, our case 3.5G or HSDPA, the data speed is even five times faster. All contributing to an explosion of demand for broadband, whether wired or wireless," he said.

In the few years, Genio reiterated that Filipino mobile subscribers will have a full capability of enjoying the 3G technology, without worrying of the service cost.