In Pakistan, so much talk is going on print media, electronic media and internet about the 3^rd Generation technology abbreviated as 3G. Only Telenor cellular network has begun the process of upgrading its network to include 3G technologies but PTA is still not giving license to Telenor to start its 3G services which is acting as a major hurdle in the development of 3G infrastructure.

Investment reports by Telenor and PTA behavior:

In 2008, Telenor officials reported that it was likely to invest $2.5 billion more in the country if it gets a 3G license. Jon Fredrik Baksaas, also the president of Telenor Group said:

We have invested almost $1.8 billion out of our commitment of $2 billion by the end-2007 and would go for a further $2.5 billion depending on the situation if we get a 3G license.

Telenor has given this project under the supervision of a third-party operator who is busy in analysis and deployment these days. These details clearly show that Telenor is waiting eagerly to be awarded as the first 3G license of Pakistan.

PTA on the other hand is continually encouraging Telenor to keep developing 3G infrastructure although there is still no confirm news that whether they are really going to issue 3G license to Telenor in 2010, news which holds a status of just “unconfirmed statement” as yet.

3G Technology details:

3G (third generation) is a collection of international standards and technologies defined by International Telecommunication Union. These technologies include EV-DO, GSM, EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, and CDMA2000 as well as DECT and WiMAX. 3G increases efficiency by improving the performance of mobile wireless network

With Third Generation (3G), the information is split into separate but related “packets” before being transmitted and reassembled at the receiving end. With the start of 3G there are packets everywhere in the world of communication.

3G extraordinary features:

1) Data rate:-

International telecommunication union has not clearly defined the data rates a user can expect from 3G but it is expected that it will provide minimum speed of 2 Mbit/s and maximum of 14.4 Mbit/s for stationary users, 348 kbit/s in a slow moving vehicle and 144Kbit/s in a high-speed moving environment

2) Personal use:-

A) You can do online shopping as you will be able to view and select still images of merchandise. On choosing one item you can buy that and can pay through your electronic wallet (Digital Catalog Shopping).
B) Mobile Banking
C) Video Mail
D) Digital Information Delivery (Audio and Video)

3) Enhanced Home security:

A) If your home system is fully automated you can turn on/off the lights, fans, air conditioners and other home appliances.
B) Using 3G, You have a greater control of your home security system by displaying security monitor images on your cellular phone terminal display.

4) Best way of Entertainment:-

A) You can easily view plays, live concerts, and sports events in real-time without any delays.
B) You can download your personal choice of music, movies, and games at immensely increased download rates.
C) You can use the electronic encyclopedia, even with photographs.

After looking at such wonderful features, no one can really tell how much impact 3G will have on our lives, but the impact will certainly be great.

We wish that we enjoy such awesome communication technology soon in our Beloved Pakistan. Telenor Pakistan network is showing no offenses at all in launching 3G services. All it need is a license from Pakistan telecommunication authority and PTA’s encouraging behavior clearly tells that 2010 will finally be the year of 3G in Pakistan InshAllah. Let’s see what happens

Telenor About To Set 3G Milestone in Pakistani Telecom Market