What is 3G?

3G technologies encompassing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) or, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) are quickly becoming the dominant and preferred technology for global third-generation mobile systems (3G) around the globe. 3G provides advanced communication and Broadband services to both mobile and fixed users alike.

These services are commercially available in many cities and urban centres around the world. And now with the broadband capabilities of high-speed packet access (HSPA), 3G is set to bring cost-effective internet coverage to rural and semi-rural areas.

Now 3G end users in remote areas will be able to obtain true, cost-effective fixed and mobile broadband services with international roaming capability.

If you would like to know more about WCDMA, HSPA and UMTS (3G), you can read or download a whitepaper from industry leader Ericsson here or a paper about the evolution of 3G networks and services from industry body 3GAmericas here.

What is a Broadband Wireless Terminal?

Sometimes known as a Fixed Wireless Terminal, a Wireless Broadband Terminal is a device that, when attached to one or more computers, or a normal telephone handset, can connect to Broadband and telephony services via 3G network services.

When enabled with WiFi services, or connected to a wireless terminal, a Moveable Wireless Terminal provides a FULLY wireless high speed broadband solution for homes, and business use, offering telephony and Broadband for one or more computers and one or more telephones.

The VoloFone™ will provide simultaneous Broadband and telephone services for one or many users, and is capable of connecting network devices such as printers and EFTPOS terminals - perfect for mobile business use, or applications where fixed line services are not available or increasingly, not feasible, flexible or fast enough.

Broadband for all

In reality, UMTS networks are true multi-service networks with more capability than can be delivered by any other technology. A UMTS network is nothing less than a wireless Broadband network with full support for traditional mobile telephony.

This means that in rural areas UMTS networks offered by Telcos can provide a cost-effective way of rapidly deploying residential and commercial broadband services - as well as providing an alternative to traditional PSTN or fixed line voice services.

In urban areas, UMTS networks offer the flexibility to provide broadband services without the restriction of fixed wire connections. Customers are free to move between home and office locations, or to deploy services in locations where fixed wire connections are not feasible or practical, such as in building sites, in temporary locations, or high rise buildings or shopping centres.

Who can use a Wireless Broadband Terminal?

Simple. Anyone who can't receive Broadband services via ADSL, anyone who doesn't want or need a fixed wire connection, anyone who wants portability and flexibility, anyone who moves between premises or anyone who doesn't want to be locked to particular Telco service provider.

All major cities have wire line or landline broadband "black spots", where ADSL data services are simply not available. Additionally, city fringes and rural areas are often without access to high speed internet services delivered via land line. Increasing however, the availability of 3G services means that high speed Broadband can be delivered wirelessly.

With telecommunications carriers and ISPs now packaging competitive wireless offerings, it can be cheaper to replace a fixed line to homes and small business with a totally wireless service.

In Australia for example, there is a major government initiative to provide high speed Broadband services to the remote interior of the country. The 3G wireless technology will be key in the delivery of these services.

In developing countries, copper land line infrastructure is often of poor quality and limited in coverage beyond urban areas. But the explosive growth of mobile telephony has meant the availability of modern wireless networks in these countries. Now, with the availability of 3G, Broadband, services can be delivered to efficiently and effectively to even the most remote communities, in almost every country.

Mobile Users

Highly mobile users can benefit significantly from these technologies by using Mobile Broadband Terminals to provide their voice, Broadband and fax requirements. Simply pick up your Mobile Broadband Terminal and take it to the next point of use, plug the terminal into the nearest power point and they can enjoy all the services that you had in your previous location. Wireless Broadband offers speed, flexibility, functionality and cost effectiveness.