The
first pre-commercial 3G network was launched by NTT DoCoMo in Japan on 1998,
branded as FOMA. It was first available in May 2001 as a pre-release (test) of
W-CDMA technology. The first commercial launch of 3G was also by NTT DoCoMo in
Japan on 1 October 2001, although it was initially somewhat limited in scope;
broader availability of the system was delayed by apparent concerns over its
reliability.
On
October 13, 2000, the President executed a memorandum that articulated the need
to select radio frequency spectrum to satisfy the United States' future needs
for mobile voice, high-speed data, and Internet-accessible wireless capability.
The Presidential Memorandum established for the Executive Agencies guiding
principles to be used in selecting spectrum that could be made available for 3G
wireless systems, and strongly encouraged independent federal agencies to
follow the same principles in any actions they take related to the development of
3G systems.
Key
features of 3G systems are a high degree of commonality of design worldwide,
compatibility of services, use of small pocket terminals with worldwide roaming
capability, Internet and other multimedia applications, and a wide range of
services and terminals. According to the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) International Mobile Telecommunications 2000 initiative
("IMT-2000") third generation mobile system services are scheduled to
be initiated around the year 2000, subject to market considerations. The
following Table describes some of the key service attributes and capabilities
expected of 3G systems:
3G
was relatively slow to be adopted globally. In some instances, 3G networks do
not use the same radio frequencies as 2G so mobile operators must build
entirely new networks and license entirely new frequencies, especially so to
achieve high-end data transmission rates. Other delays were due to the expenses
of upgrading transmission hardware, especially for UMTS, whose deployment
required the replacement of most broadcast towers. Due to these issues and
difficulties with deployment, many carriers were not able to or delayed
acquisition of these updated capabilities.
In
December 2007, 190 3G networks were operating in 40 countries and 154 HSDPA
networks were operating in 71 countries, according to the Global Mobile
Suppliers Association (GSA). In Asia, Europe, Canada and the USA,
telecommunication companies use W-CDMA technology with the support of around
100 terminal designs to operate 3G mobile networks.
Roll-out
of 3G networks was delayed in some countries by the enormous costs of
additional spectrum licensing fees. The license fees in some European countries
were particularly high, bolstered by government auctions of a limited number of
licenses and sealed bid auctions, and initial excitement over 3G's potential.
The
3G standard is perhaps well known because of a massive expansion of the mobile
communications market post-2G and advances of the consumer mophone. An
especially notable development during this time is the smartphone (for example,
the iPhone, and the Android family), combining the abilities of a PDA with a
mobile phone, leading to widespread demand for mobile internet connectivity. 3G
has also introduced the term "mobile broadband" because its speed and
capability make it a viable alternative for internet browsing, and USB Modems
connecting to 3G networks are becoming increasingly common.
The
rapid and efficient deployment of new wireless data and Internet services has
emerged as a critical priority for communications equipment manufacturers.
Network components that enable wireless data services are fundamental to the
next-generation network infrastructure. Wireless data services are expected to
see the same explosive growth in demand that Internet services and wireless
voice services have seen in recent years.
