The 1st generation mobile telephones were introduced in the mid-1980s. Since then the mobile phone technology has been continuously evolving. Today around 80% of the world’s population is within reach of a mobile phone signal.
Mobile phones are primarily been used for voice communications. But today the mobile phone technology serves as the platform for a range of communication outputs which includes data and video. 3G is the third-generation of mobile phone technology standards. 3G includes the services like wireless voice telephony and broadband wireless data, all in a mobile environment. However, the capability of 3G to transfer high-speed wireless data has improved or given rise to numerous applications like mobile video, secure mobile ecommerce, location-based services, mobile gaming and audio on demand. For example, using 2.5G a three-minute song takes between six and nine minutes to download. Using 3G, it can download in 11 to 90 seconds.
There are currently almost 100 million 3G wireless subscribers worldwide. Japan is in the lead with over 50% of its subscribers using 3G phones. The US, with over 200 million mobile subscribers, stands second. As 3G implementation picks up the paces, 3G carriers, handset manufacturing, infrastructure equipment makers, semiconductor OEM’s, and 3G application providers are bound to profit.
Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP’s) that are unable to upgrade their networks, and companies that give services which are standard under 3G (i.e., email access), will be in a position to lose.
While the 3G market may be positively attaining footing, the industry is swiftly approaching a turning point, where the requirements of different market sectors can vary significantly, and reward generously to technology vendors and mobile communications operators.
