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Thomas K Thomas

Focus on wireless technologies with higher data speeds

New Delhi May 9 Even as the Department of Telecom is all set to announce the policy for third generation (3G) technology based mobile services, its research and development arm, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), has aborted its plans to develop a full-fledged 3G-based solution.

C-DOT had initiated a project to develop Wide band Code Division Multiple Access based 3G wireless system, but dumped it viewing the `sluggish' 3G deployment worldwide and second thoughts being given to skip third generation technologies and leapfrog to fourth generation technologies.

In a disclosure made to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, C-DOT admitted that almost 20 per cent work had been completed in developing the 3G system when the decision was taken to use its resources in developing software based radio system and other broadband wireless systems that would give higher data speeds.

Explaining the shift in its strategy, senior Government officials said C-DOT felt that issues relating to 3G licensing and spectrum availability were still unclear. Constraints and merits of 3G deployment compared to advantages of emerging 4G also influenced the move.

Some of the alternative wireless technology projects undertaken by C-DOT, in lieu of 3G, have reached the pilot trial stage.

3G technologies such as WCDMA and EVDO are expected to bring high-speed data services such as video on demand and mobile TV to cellular users. While globally a number of operators have launched the services, supporters of 4G technologies say that most of the Indian operators are eyeing 3G spectrum for enhancing their network capacity rather than bringing high speed data services to consumers.

4G best suited

In contrast, companies such as Intel and Nortel are pushing Wi-Max as the fourth generation technology that is best suited to provide high speed data services especially in rural areas.

C-DOT for instance has entered into a partnership with French major Alcatel to develop Wi-Max solutions. 4G technologies are still being developed around the world and are expected to be ideally suited for offering wireless broadband at speeds of 20 Mbps compared to 2Mbps being offered by 3G technologies.

Tech firms such as Cisco say that while 3G technologies have been developed for voice, mobile operators will require a 4G-based network to offer services like mobile TV to a large number of people. On the other hand companies traditionally strong in cellular technology like Nokia say that those who are talking of leapfrogging 3G to 4G have not understood the concept.

More Stories on : Telecommunications | Research & Development

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