Imagine yourself traveling along the highway in the Metro and there is no traffic. And assuming you are not driving, You are working on your netbook. Laptop or even your smartphone. Remember there is no traffic and your vehicle moves seamlessly along and similarly your connection to the Web is seamless and fast – you can watch youtube, update your status and chat with ease. But wait there is more if you stop it only gets better.
An impossible dream? Well with 4G this should happen. An impossible dream?
The past two weeks we in the Philippines have seen the piss contest between two telecom companies. Both claiming to have the first 4G in the Philippines. Like two over eager suitors both companies have been shouting out aloud about being first to the audio level ad naseum.
Does it really matter who comes first? No and Yes.
But before we get to that is it really 4G that these telecom companies are bragging about?
What is 4G?
An organization called the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced or IMT-Advanced spelled out in 2008 the requirements for 4G standards, ie 4th Generation of cellular standards, would be a peak of 100 Mbit/s for mobile and 1 Gbit/s for stationary.
A lot of technobabbble? Indeed, but this is muy importante. In practical terms what does this mean?
A true of full 4G SHOULD provide us a comprehensive and secure connection to the Internet while moving and even better connection when standing or even walking.
So are we experiencing or about to experience the 4G connection? Yes and No. Why?
Remember the ITU? The group that spelled out the criteria for 4G or 4th Generation Cellularphone standards. Well, last December 6, 2010 they announced that present versions of LTE, WiMax and other evolved 3G technologies that do not fit the requirments of 4G could be labelled as “4G” if they represent forerunners an a substantial level of improvement in capabilities and performance compared to the first third generation systems now used and deployed.
So even if that are not full or true 4G the ITU-Advanced announced that could be called 4G as long as they are forerunners and an improvement over exsisting system.
Notice the ITU used the word they – in fact there are many systems attempting to reach 4G standards
Does who come first really matter?
No and Yes. No, since what was introduced was technology dependent upon a particular infrastructure. Yes, since The one that counts is the real first or in other words which telco would be able to finish first most the deployment of infrastructure for the different technologies that will be used to improve the Internet connection and approach or (hopefully) reach the standards set out by ITU.
Globe Presscon and HSPA+ launch
Globe during their press conference mentioned three important things : (i) the roll out of the necessary infrastructures for their HSPA+ , a transitional technology to 4G; (ii) The roll out time period as stated as months rather than years; and (iii) the implementation of other system that can bring about the full 4G experience. Let us see.
So is it important who came first? No and Yes.
No, in the terms who introduced 4G first. But Yes who will be able to provide the the customers us the full 4G experience, and any improvement along the way is much appreciated but let us not forget what true or full 4G is really. And that is the Internet connection should be fast, seamless and secure while moving and more so when stationary. If it aint well it aint.
And only then will the real 4G will stand up, will stand up.
