3G Data Networks have been around for several years now but with 4G around the corner have they met the expectation of the original launch.
Allowing the expensive bidding wars for the 3G network spectrum’s, it was envisaged that it would kick start the video calling revolution and allow users to watch the goals from the Premiership on a pay per view basis. Unfortunately Video Calling never became mainstream and the quality of screens on the first generation of 3G handsets made watching sports impossible. There was an additional and almost unexpected benefit, for the first time the mobile Internet became accessible to Mobile phone owners.
It did take a while for the network suppliers to realise the market though, for a long time handsets were limited to viewing closed Intranets which were little more then shop windows, but slowly and surely the browsers on handsets became better and the demand for viewing the ‘proper’ web on the move increased.
As the 3G networks matured, further applications of mobile data became apparent and Streaming Video , Radio, Films,
The Gadget Show's Ortis Deley and Pollyanna Woodward, at a 3UK press event.
Secure Business Networks, Sky Sports, Social Networking and even multi player gaming became possible. Unlimited data bundles meant that most activities traditionally reserved for home computing were now possible on the move. Smartphones & Mobile Internet Dongles became the norm and devices became always connected, constantly streaming from devices to the Networks.
The downside – the sudden increase in mobile network traffic pushed the networks to breaking point, and the service offered to customers started to deteriate, ask anyone who has tried to maintain a VPN network over 3g for a few hours about their experiences and you will hear similar stories, great when they work but network connections get dropped frequently.
To counteract the load on the networks, most providers now limit domestic users to a limited download allowance every month, the limits set are sensible and wont affect most users, but they allow the networks to stop the minority spoiling the service for the majority.
With the 4g networks on the horizon are the days of 3G data networks numbered. Perhaps not. 3G data facilities are perfect for most consumers, providing quick access to web, email, & Social networking to mobile handsets and some of the Networks are continuing to improve their infrastructure, with 3uk spending over £400m to offer a 3G data service to 97% of the country, there may be life in the old dog yet.