Vodacom already looking to 3.5G

Johannesburg, 04 Jan 2005

Vodacom, which has already launched the country`s first third generation (3G) network, is set to debut in April what is effectively 3.5G technology.

The mobile operator`s MD, Pieter Uys, says enhanced data for GSM evolution (EDGE) technology has been used as a stepping-stone between 2G and 3G - creating what is, in effect, 2.5G technology.

"We will be doing a similar thing with our 3G network, using a technology known as high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), which should increase the data speed from 384Kbps to anywhere between 2Mbps and 8Mbps, depending on whether you adopt the optimistic or pessimistic view."

"Obviously the company is still busy setting up its 3G network, but as soon as the network is stabilised, we will begin putting the HSDPA technology in place," he says.

Uys says that since technology continues to develop at a rapid rate, it is important to stay in touch with these new developments, hence the initial move towards 3.5G, even as the 3G network in going up.

"International operators are already working on developing 4G networks, which will be based on WiMAX technology, chiefly because WiMAX is much more spectrum-efficient than the current code division multiple access (CDMA) technology."

Asked about yesterday`s announcement that a number of major international players have begun to develop standards for a new technology dubbed "Super 3G", which is expected to roll out commercially by 2009, Uys says that he believes the integration of WiMax and 3G will occur much sooner than that.

"I foresee the integration taking place well before 2009, but since our international partner, Vodafone, is involved in developing the standards for Super 3G, we will be able to leverage our relationship with it to receive immediate access to any new technology they develop around this."