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What is 3GSM? - Is it the same as 3G, UMTS, W-CDMA and IMT-2000, or are they different in some way?
Third generation (3G) is the generic term used for the next generation of mobile communications systems. These have been created to support the effective delivery of a range of multimedia services. In addition, they provide more efficient systems for the over-the-air transmission of existing services, such as voice, text and data that are available today.
Developed by the global GSM community as its chosen path for 3G evolution, UMTS is one of the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU's) family of third-generation mobile communications systems. UMTS uses a W-CDMA air interface, which lead some to refer to the technology as simply W-CDMA, creating confusion in the marketplace.
To alleviate this confusion and to highlight the backward compatibility of the system with second generation GSM, the GSM Association now refers to the range of high-speed multimedia services that can be delivered to users via mobile networks using UMTS/W-CDMA systems such as 3GSM, rather than simply the air interface technology.
The global 3G Partnership Project (3GPP), a collaboration of telecommunications standards bodies, is the organisation through which much of the technical specifications are devised. The GSM Association is a market representation Partner of the 3GPP, as such it provides the 3GPP with market advice and a consensus view of market requirements from the operator community.
In summary, the GSM Association's vision of 3GSM is based on today's GSM standard, but evolved, extended and enhanced to include an additional radio air interface, better suited for high speed and multimedia data services. This system will enable users of current second generation GSM wireless networks to migrate easily to the new third generation services, with minimal disruption.
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What data speeds are enabled by 3GSM?
The use of the W-CDMA air interface significantly increases the data transfer rate of GSM networks, offering average downlink rates of around 300 kbit/s.
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What services are enabled by 3GSM systems?
TV and video on demand, high-speed multimedia data services and mobile Internet access are just a few of the offerings available to users. 3GSM expands the potential for content-rich information and communication services, as well as providing enhanced capacity for traditional voice services. 3GSM bridges the gap between the wireless world and the computing/Internet world, creating the possibility of seamless inter-operation between the two.
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Are 3GSM systems truly global?
One of the most important characteristics of 3GSM is that it has been developed to be backward compatible with GSM systems, which have been deployed by 680 operators in more than 200 countries and territories. This interoperability of systems and services will ensure the continuation of the worldwide roaming experience users have enjoyed with GSM.
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What do the handsets look like?
The look and feel of 3GSM phones are now being dictated by functionality demands rather than technical constraints. For example, to support new Internet and multi-media services, larger, more convenient viewing screens are offered. As a result, the variation of form factors offered is likely to increase significantly and handsets could vary from wrist-watch style 'simple' telephone's to mini PC-type personal digital assistants (PDAs) for web-browsing usage.
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Can I receive 3GSM services from my current mobile handset?
3GSM is a new technology and therefore you will not be able to access 3GSM multimedia services using your existing GSM handset. It is up to you to choose whether you want to use the 3GSM services, and you will need to upgrade your mobile to be able to use these services. However, 3GSM has been designed to be backward compatible which means that you can continue to enjoy the voice and data services delivered by GSM from a 3GSM handset, while experiencing 3GSM services where they are available. You can also continue to enjoy voice and data services using a standard GSM phone in a 3GSM network coverage area.
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What's next for 3GSM?
The next step in the GSM Association's roadmap for future services is downlink performance improvement - High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). More details can be found here. HSDPA will offer operators higher data transfer speeds and greater system capacity that, in turn, will enhance their ability to provide mobile broadband multimedia services. It will also tap the generic benefits of GSM such as global roaming, seamless billing, network compatibility and huge economies of scale.
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