3GSM World Congress: Networking to get connectivity to more people

While the annual 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, was abuzz with the emergence of technology and standards that enable broadcasts to handsets, continuing infrastructure developments are increasing the potential for network operators to extend basic communications services to more people than ever before.

According to Siemens Communications SA CEO Dr Jan Mrosik, these developments are perhaps even more important than advancements at the `cutting-edge`.

"Africa still faces enormous challenges, including the so-called digital divide. While the delivery of broadband to the people of Africa is not the only solution to the problems of poverty and lack of development, it is nonetheless a commodity that can spur education, advancement and connectivity to the global community," he says.

Chief among the developments since the 2005 Congress have been advancements in WiMax and Flash OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Modulation).

"With these technologies becoming standardised, and with the delivery of products based on these technologies - Siemens demonstrated its WiMax range in Barcelona - the ability to get data to the people cost-effectively is becoming a reality," he says.

Another technology that has advanced significantly over the last year concerns the delivery of high-speed data to the handset - HSDPA, which is essentially a `booster` for 3G. Since cellular handsets are prolific devices - far more so than PCs - the potential for delivering broadband to more people than ever before has taken a leap forward.

Mrosik says the technology had been implemented by two operators at the time of the congress, and he notes that South Africa is essentially ready for the introduction of the high speed standard.

"HSDPA does depend on the availability of appropriate handsets, but these are steadily entering the market. From an infrastructure point of view, a software upgrade on compatible base stations is all that is required," he says. "However, an additional positive development for the technology is that notebook makers are beginning to offer products that embed this connectivity in their design."

Compatible data cards that will enable transfer rates of up to three times that of 3G are also available.

Mrosik says the effect of higher speed data transfer to mobile devices will have an impact on backhaul infrastructure, which will have to be managed by operators as they roll-out high speed mobile connectivity.

He believes that one of the challenges faced by Africa is the provision of services cost-effectively to areas where the average revenue per user is likely to be substantially lower than that of developed countries.

"However, with the smart application of the new technologies and products that we see emerging from a very strong and vibrant GSM industry, the goal of delivering ubiquitous connectivity is certainly coming closer," he concludes.