3G + WIFI

Dear ShockExciterz, we know it's been a while since we posted anything. But hope you all have been reading latest gadget news via our site . We've been extremely busy the past year, and hopefully you all are too!

We've been involved with technology trials and test, implementations etc the works. As mentioned in the members subscription mailer, we're lauching our very own Satellite and Satellite + Wireless access services very soon. Price? surely it will be affordable!

This article takes you further on what we are about to launch, but complimenting the hype of 3G services with the moderately expanding WIFI usage (Which is getting bigger) Indeed, in Malaysia, Wi-Fi access is becoming as common as a cafes such as businesses like Starbucks, or any other cafes or restaurants you find around town supported by service providers such as TMNET, Maxis, TIME and AIRZED attracting attention from almost every market segment.

Simultaneously, wireless telephony networks using 2.5 and 3G offer mobile users a sub-set of TCP/IP networking services, typically Web browsing and e-mail, but with far broader coverage than hotspots. Unlike Wi-Fi, which is exploding, hard data on 2.5 and 3G is hard to find since contract details and market share are often only described in the most general of terms.

WiFi service providers deploy hotspots that are usually connected to the Internet by DSL; 3G can compliment existing services by allowing hotspots to be deployed in areas that are not served by Telekom Malaysia (TMNET).

The mobile industry needs to be aware of the opportunities that this new technology presents and understand how it can enhance 3G services and start rolling in the bucks. What do they want at the end? break-even and start making profits, but how?

WiFi is used as the last mile to provide IP connectivity to users. Maxis alone is capable to provide 386kbps of connectivity over 3G, of which undoubtedly will find its way into WiFi networks sooner or later. The two technologies are compatible "out of the box" without the need for detailed engineering or special configuration. With basic compatibility established, the area of interest becomes maximizing the combination of the two technologies. This can be accomplished by carefully choosing the applications that are well suited to the natural strengths of 3G and WiFi.

Prices for 3G and public Wi-Fi access will both drop, and we seek the opportunity to provide... customers don't really care about which technology is used, but they care about cost and they care about speed, and this could help carriers with both technologies.

Indeed, speed, cost and coverage are what is likely to decide if one technology will triumph or the other or whether they'll work best for users together. One thing is becoming clear though. After years of bickering, it appears that the telephony data companies are beginning to think that convergence, and not competition, will be the key that allows 2.5 and 3G to florish in the Malaysian market with the growth of Wi-Fi.

These two applications represent the fixed and mobile markets, respectively. The infrastructure is similar for the two applications: a 3G smartphone or wireless card (at the moment only PCMCIA based ) is used to provide the connection to the Internet and supports roaming at local wireless LAN networks. Both technologies will eventually allow multiple users to access the internet via WIFI network through 3G.

3G + WiFi Convergence is all about enabling new markets that can not be served with either technology alone:

● 3G allows WiFi hot spots to be deployed in places that terrestrial Internet connections cannot reach either cost effectively or geographical restrictions.

● WiFi can lower the per-user cost of 3G subscriptions and its hardware, enabling access to more price sensitive markets where 3G services are too expensive.

However, at the end of the day, any business opportunity that seeks to exploit the combination of 3G + WiFi needs to consider three key issues:

1. Maximizing the number of subscribers that can serviced,
2. Minimizing the infrastructure cost to service those subscribers, and
3. Ensuring that the opportunity has the potential to generate revenue.

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Author : ShockExcite Media Sdn Bhd
Source : Bizpartner.com