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MTN
offers enhanced technology
New generation radio services permanently link handsets to the internet CELLPHONE company MTN has become the first in SA to offer its subscribers data feeds and mobile internet access using general packet radio services (GPRS) technology. GPRS is an enhancement to the current cellphone system, and links a handset directly to the internet or a private corporate network for rapid data, audio and video transmissions. Both MTN and Vodacom have been testing the technology for months, with Vodacom yet to announce a switch-on date. The MTNdataLIVE service has now entered a trial phase, when users can send and receive data for free. Fees will only be introduced after a full commercial launch later this year, when additional services will also be introduced. The most popular function now may be the ability to use a cellphone as a modem, to connect a laptop to the internet. That will allow internet browsing on a full size screen, without a landline connection and users will also have faster access to existing data services based on wireless application protocol, such as news feeds, stock market figures and mapping services. "When we got MTNdataLIVE up and running on more than 95% of our network a couple of months ago, we had a great response from people wanting to use the technology. Not only from customers, but from companies and individuals looking to develop services and content based on the technology," said MTN MD Sifiso Dabengwa. Initially the service is restricted to contract customers, not prepaid users, who have a GPRSenabled handset. The lack of handsets, along with technology glitches and a dearth of compelling content, have delayed the arrival of GPRS. MTN says almost 40000 subscribers have suitable handsets from Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola or Siemens. Some can make normal voice calls and transmit data simultaneously. Most can handle only one at a time, and will suspend a data transfer if an incoming call is detected. GPRS transmits data in short bursts, and its "always on" nature means a caller remains connected to the network, but uses its resources when data is transmitted. MTN has yet to decide exactly how to charge for the services, and hopes the next few weeks will give it a better idea of how, where and when people will use it. It is likely to follow the international trend of charging purely for the amount of data carried, rather than for the duration of a call. The ability of GPRS to handle video clips, sound and data will open up new mobile entertainment and business opportunities and may be sufficient for Africa, says Mike Hainebach, product development manager for mobile technology company iTouch. "We
are very excited by GPRS, which has the potential to support a host of
creative applications. This has the potential to fill the gap if 3G (third
generation) technology is not financially viable in SA," says Hainebach.
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