Mobile broadband- available now

The adoption rate and popularity of HSDPA in different markets could lead to it outpacing other rival technologies feels ALEX SINCLAIR...

Surfing the Internet at broadband speeds in the car, on the bus or a train is no longer a seductive promise shimmering on the horizon. High-speed wireless access is available today throughout many urban and suburban areas in approximately 40 countries worldwide thanks to the latest developments in the third-generation of GSM mobile phone technology (3G).

The GSM ecosystem is currently in the midst of one of the most significant changes in its 20-year history. This upgrade, known as HSPA, has the potential to change the way people think about 3G mobile phone services, by achieving a step-change in the performance of the W-CDMA radio technology that is used in 3GSM mobile networks around the world.

Initially, HSPA offers the user an average throughput of approximately one megabit per second, while doubling the network capacity. From the end-user perspective, this is the mobile equivalent of moving from a dial-up modem to a DSL Internet connection. The next wave of HSPA devices, supporting maximum rates of up to three times the initial figures, are already in the pipeline and will be rolled out shortly. But it doesn't stop there, as the current HSPA specifications will support maximum download rates of more than 14 megabits per second.

HSPA isn't just about throughput, it also significantly reduces the latency (delay), allowing the network to respond rapidly to the users' requests and the changing radio environment. HSPA networks, coupled with the variety of HSPA data cards and terminals already available, provide all of the key elements for the mass-market rollout and take-up of mobile broadband.

For the business user, HSPA finally eliminates any reason for being tied to a desk. Rather than staying late in the office, waiting for a colleague to send through a presentation for approval, a commuter, for example, could use a HSPA connection to easily download and view the slides on the train home.

For consumers, HSPA enables them to enjoy all the multimedia aspects of the Internet regardless of whether they are at home, in a park or stuck in traffic. They could download a friend's video of a bungee jump, for example, as soon as it posted on the Web, rather than waiting until they get home.

It is not surprising then that 3G operators across the world are moving rapidly to upgrade their networks and, in many cases, this is simply a software upgrade. The availability of HSPA is also spurring more operators to adopt 3G technology. New WCDMA networks are now HSPA-enabled by default allowing many operators to leapfrog from GSM straight to a broadband offering.

Cingular, the largest mobile operator in North America, launched HSPA last year and is progressively rolling it out to more U.S. cities. Cingular have also deployed HSPA in the 850 MHz frequency band, providing for wide geographical coverage and good inbuilding penetration. Similarly, Telstra in Australia is using HSPA at 850 MHz as a means to bring broadband services to remote parts of the Outback, a real challenge given the demographics involved. Telstra and HSPA met the challenge and actually launched ahead of schedule in October. HSPA has also found support in markets where rival technologies had previously dominated. The investment and commitment of the Korean mobile operators is a case in point.

The HSPA story is not just confined to the more developed markets. Mobile operators in the developing world are looking at HSPA as the most cost-effective way to provide broadband services to communities lacking fixed-line connections. In South Africa, for example, local operator MTN has used its HSPA network to set up an Internet access booth in a township near Johannesburg where fixed-line connections are sparse. If this pilot project proves successful, MTN plans to use HSPA to rollout more Internet booths across South Africa. As HSPA gains momentum in both developed and developing countries, we expect the number of commercial HSPA networks worldwide to double to about 120 during 2007.

The take-up of new radio technology in the market is often delayed by the lack of a range of suitable devices in large volumes. But the swift time-to-market for HSPA devices has been impressive, with a wide range of data cards already available and with the first handheld terminals also reaching the market.

HSPA is a perfect tool for the "road warrior" and this has been recognized, not just by the mobile operators, but also by the major chip, device and notebook suppliers. Intel, Qualcomm, Dell, Lenovo, Option, Novatel, Sierra and other technology companies have been working with the GSMA to produce a set of guidelines to ensure that HSPA modules (including the SIM) can be delivered as an integral part of the notebook, rather than as an add-on.This standardized approach will help ensure new notebook computers are fully compatible with HSPA networks straight out of the box. The guidelines should also help the industry realize economies of scale and drive down the price of the HSPA-enabled notebook computers.

The embedded SIM card is a particularly important part of this proposition. The SIM card can automatically authenticate a user on the HSPA network and then be used to charge them later through their standard mobile phone bill. The use of the SIM and the existing GSM billing infrastructure eliminates the need to key in usernames and passwords or other authentication and payment processes required by some wireless technologies.

As with any of the GSM family of standards, seamless global roaming is a prerequisite, not an after-thought, providing international travellers with the ability to carry their broadband experience with them wherever they go. Backward compatibility is essential to ensure adequate coverage for the mobile user. If no HSPA network is available then the HSPA modem will fallback on GSM and EDGE connections, whose global footprint is unrivalled by any other wireless technology.

All of the GSM family of technologies employs the same billing and roaming infrastructure that has made GSM mobile networks the easiest and most convenient way for travellers to get online. For business users, ease-of-use equates to less stress and better productivity - a compelling combination.

HSPA isn't just about bringing mobile broadband to laptops. HSPA also dramatically enhances the multimedia capabilities of mobile phones. HSPA handsets from Samsung, LG and other phone makers are also available, allowing users to rapidly download videos, television pictures and other multimedia content.

While such handsets are relatively expensive today, we expect HSPA will increasingly benefit from the economies of scale inherent in the vast GSM ecosystem. With 700 mobile operators serving more than 2 billion customers, the GSM industry has been able to bring down the wholesale cost of secondgeneration phones to near $20. As more operators adopt 3G and HSDPA, GSMA believes these technologies will also benefit from major development, design, manufacturing and marketing efficiencies.

At the GSMA, we understand the importance of a highly competitive, scaleable and sustainable ecosystem, based on open standards and with a diversity of suppliers and products. We also understand that mobile services require more than just a highlyefficient radio link. The adoption of HSPA, already impressive, will undoubtedly outpace that of any rival technology.