The core of today's 2nd-generation networks provide the foundation on which 3rd-generation services - 3G - will be built. Next-generation services will be delivered by a combination of existing and evolved digital equipment.
The move to 3G is all about high-speed mobile data and IP traffic. This is why today's wireless networks will require greater bandwidth and network capacity to support 3rd-generation services.
Standardizing IMT-2000
The development of 3rd-generation mobile communications is bringing together forces from all over the industry. In June 1998, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) received input from regional standardisation bodies in mobile communications.
ETSI (Europe)
In early 1998, the European Telecommunications Standardisation Institute decided on Wideband CDMA as the technology for Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services (UMTS) - 3rd-generation mobile communications in ETSI's terms.
ARIB (Japan)
The association of Radio Industry Businesses in Japan is co-operating with ETSI in the definition of IMT-2000-capable technology with WCDMA as the preferred technology.
TIA/T1P1 (North America)
In North America the standardization body the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), works with the evolution of mobile technologies. TIA TR-45.3 is responsible for the D-AMPS/ IS-136 evolution. TIA TR-45.5 is responsible for the CDMA-based IS-95 narrowband air interface standard. For GSM (GSM 1900) the evolution is dealt with by T1/P1.
Also, in the US, the industry association the Universal Wireless Communications consortium (UWC) is developing the specifications for the evolution of D-AMPS IS-136 technology.
The ITU will evaluate the proposals attempting to reach consensus on one standard in its Task Group 8/1 and then go on to develop specifications.
IMT-2000 Requirements
These requirements are:
- Voice quality comparable to wireline
- Security comparable to PSTN/ISDN
- Support multiple public/private/residential operators
- Interconnection to other mobile users or fixed users
- National and international roaming
- Service to fixed users
- Packet-switched data as well as circuit-switched data
- High spectrum efficiency
- Support for hierarchical cell structures (HCS)
- Coexistence and interconnection with satellite
- A phased approach for data rates up to 2 Mbps
So where are we today?
Second generation wireless communication services are being implemented and improved in Australia in preparation for the evolution to 3G.
GSM is the only established technology infrastructure locally, while Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Personal Communications Services (PCS) and Personal Digital Cellular (PDC) feature in other parts of the world.
Today there are close to 400 million mobile phone users globally and already the streams of telecommunications and datacommunications are converging, driven primarily by the rapid growth of the Internet.
While voice remains the dominant mobile communication, the advent of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) and Bluetooth is changing the face of telecommunications.
GPRS - the stepping stone to 3G - is currently being trialled and offers users mobile Internet access at data speeds higher than those available from a fixed line.
WAP is a global, open protocol enabling users to access the Internet and utilise on-line services through their mobile phones. WAP was initiated by Ericsson and operators are already being offered WAP application developer kits and gateway enabling servers to communicate with WAP terminals over GSM networks.
Bluetooth is a new, wireless technology designed to replace the cables which today link a wide range of portable and peripheral terminals and devices.
The Bluetooth technology connects computing and communications equipment with a universal, open standard, low-cost radio link.
Over 600 technology adopters have already indicated interest in developing Bluetooth-based products which will become available at the end of this year.
The introduction of these new technology developments signals the start of a telecommunications revolution. GPRS, WAP and Bluetooth are here, and are taking us on an exciting journey down the highway to the new world of 3G
