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3G Networks Major Upgrade in Early 2006

13th December, 2004

Above shows the Ubinetics TM500 which is used for HSDPA infrastructure testing

Europe : Many 3G networks across Europe will reach their capacity limits by the end of 2005. This startling prediction has been made today by UbiNetics, a Cambridge-based technology firm that is assisting a number of leading mobile operators and network equipment makers in their development of advanced ‘
HSDPA’ technology.

HSDPA – or High-Speed Downlink Packet Access in full – is an evolved version of 3G that will deliver a five- to ten-fold boost in data rates, sufficient for even the most demanding applications.

Current 3G networks typically offer speeds of 384Kbps at most; ultimately HSDPA will support data transfers at a lightning fast 14Mbps – overtaking most advanced fixed-line systems. According to UbiNetics, this will not only resolve the forthcoming capacity issues, but also allow mobile networks to emerge as a true contender to fixed broadband and WiFi or WiMax networks.

Commenting on this next stage in the evolution of 3G, UbiNetics’ head of strategic marketing, Stirling Essex said: “The announcement by MM02 that it is to roll-out Europe’s first HSDPA network on the Isle of Man is confirmation that operators are already faced with the spectre of running out of 3G capacity.”

“While HSDPA does not actually lower the number of base stations needed by an operator in cities, it does speed up the data rate, which in turn increases the number of subscribers a cell can serve. Particular hotspots will include any crowded area where there is likely to be a much higher than average number of concurrent 3G users, such as football stadiums or train stations.”

“In summary, HSDPA is an extremely promising technology for the mobile communications industry because it will not only allow 3G to match, but also overtake, the data rates afforded by the fixed network operators. In our experience, the trials of this technology, led by NTT DoCoMo in Tokyo, prove that it works and is relatively easy to deploy. There is little doubt in my mind that HSDPA will be ready for widespread deployment in Europe within 12 months, or early 2006,” added Essex.

 

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