02 stalling on 3G because they could have something much better!

[A1c]

From The Scotsman (5th december 2004):

Mobile phone group mmO2 is to trial technology allowing users to download music, video clips and games three times faster than existing third generation networks, it said today.

The network will operate at speeds equivalent to fixed broadband, making it easier for mobile users to access DVD-quality clips and large email attachments.

MmO2 will start testing mobile broadband on the Isle of Man next summer through its subsidiary Manx Telecom.

The announcement comes amid intense competition amongst mobile operators to break into the 3G market.

Rival Vodafone launched its 3G technology last month, allowing mobile users to make video calls and giving them access to a host of features such as CD quality music, movie trailers and Premiership football clips.

Operator 3 already provides 3G services in the UK, while Orange and T-Mobile are expected to follow suit by the end of the year. MmO2 is set to launch its first 3G services in early 2005.

The ******** system to be trialled by mmO2, in partnership with Lucent Technologies, is in its early stages and could be launched in the next couple of years.

MmO2 chose the Isle of Man to carry out the trials because it provides a self-contained area where it can set up a small network.

http://business.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3845541

[Killahurts]

Just a pity they cant roll out 3g to 80% of the population by 2007 - a target they have basically warned OFCOM they cant meet - whilst still speculating on other technology advances

Doesnt say much about one of the UKs leading mobile providers - when all the others can manage to juggle more than one ball...

[Looney]

Just a hunch - but I have a feeling we will see a real "hare & tortoise" race here

My guess is in 5-8 years time - the o2 network will be the envy of the others

We'll discuss this in 8 years time ;)

[Andy Cripps]

We'll discuss this in 8 years time

Lol! If I'm still on this forum in 8 years time, please somebody kill me. :D

[A1c]

The Register (6/12/2004):

mmO2 says improvements to its Isle of Man 3G network will make it three times faster than rival services from Vodafone and 3.

Due to go live next summer the network uses HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) technology and IMS(Internet Protocol Multimedia services).

But the extra speed is available only through data cards in laptops - not through handsets - which won't be available until the second half of 2006. A spokesman for mmO2 said: "Lucent are the only current provider of this technology which in simple terms is a software upgrade to the base stations."

The network will be built by Lucent and will provide speeds of 3.6 Megabits per second at launch but can support speeds of up to 14.4Mbps. At launch customers will be able to send a 5Mbyte video clip in less than 30 seconds.

Lucent is providing equipment developed by Bell Labs as well as Flexent OneBTS base stations, Radio Network Controller and UMTS kit including Serving GPRS Support Node and Gateway GPRS Support Node.

mmO2 offers 3G services for business customers in Germany and will launch in Ireland and the UK early next year

http://www.***********.co.uk/2004/12/06/mmo2_ups_speeds/

[Killahurts]

This is all very well and good BUT considering the fact that they are asking OFCOM for permission to delay the 2007 deadline for providing 80% of the population with 3g, when will the majority of UK residents actually see any benefit from this?

Certainly not in 2006 as is being quoted for the Isle of Man.

So fine if you live in the IOM - very poor for the majority of people in the UK on 02 who are going to lag behind the rest of the networks.

And I've still not been given a credible reason as to why the roll out of 02 3g masts cannot happen along side this new development.

Voda and others have hit 60% whilst still looking ahead to the future.

And what if 02s development goes belly up.

They are gonna look even more stupid then than they do now...

[Gunner]

Oh well, with four other 3G networks in the UK I couldn't really give a damn about O2's 3G offering just yet. If they can get something faster before the others and get i-mode up and running then that's just great, hurrah for O2, otherwise more fool them.

I guess there's not much point in all 5 networks offering exactly the same - so if they can pull it off then they will indeed be reaping the benefits.

[A1c]

The old hare & tortoise thing again!

Worth watching!

[astra46]

Good Luck to O2. O2 and 3 are the only networks that are decent where i live.

[Killahurts]

But Absolutely - you miss my point totally

You are assuming that o2 are the only network looking to move things on from the current 3g standards when the reality is that anyone reading this site knows thats a nonsense.

The wiser networks are rolling out their 3g masts (after all surely 4 years is long enough unless your o2!) and looking for new ways forward AT THE SAME TIME

Is 02 a male network and it has problems multi tasking??? LMFAO

[Gunner]

I wasn't assuming that at all :P

I'm totally aware that all the networks will be migrating to the higher speeds, and that they'll have greater coverage, but O2 surely has it's own ways forward. All I was saying is that choice is good, and if O2 are looking at 3G from a different angle then it's no skin of our noses whether they succeed or fail - because now, finally, we have oodles of choice :)

[Killahurts]

But you are still missing my point mate!

If we are both agreed that all networks are already looking at ways to migrate to higher speeds - and are doing that whilst rolling out 3g coverage - why should 02 be let off the hook.

Why havent they done both at the same time - I've yet to hear anyone give me a credible reason that prevent them doing from what every other mobile network is.

OFCOM should stick to their guns and either force 02s hand or hit them with a heavy fine.

To let o2 off the hook for the sole reason of helping them gain commercial benefit is purely wrong and goes against everything OFCOM was set up to do - ie protect the interests of consumers