Market Expectations on 3G HSPDA
By ShockExcite Media Sdn Bhd
Hey ShockExciters! It's been long, real long since the team has posted anything, as the same goes for us, the wireless era, been busy testing up and coming wireless technologies. In this issue (issue?) we're actually taking a good look on what Wireless broadband providers are battling it out for a share of the high-speed internet pie.
While we wait to see whom will be the winners for the soon to be given WIMAX licenses, there is fierce competition as companies such as cellular giants Maxis and Celcom take on TM's Streamyx, which is in stark contrast to the fixed-lined broadband arena where Telekom holds all the cards.
2 of the 4 3G license holders (Maxis, Celcom, MiTV and TIME) Celcom has managed to stay ahead of the game and is leading the pack. One of the major reasons for its pole position is its ability to launch its 3G services first and has upgrade its network to high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) with Vodafon, which gives much higher speeds. Maxis also has officially launched its 3G packages to target the home market and will again a step further to its big rival.
HSDPA, which allows for faster download speeds of up to 1.8Mbps (offered by Celcom), will provide users with true broadband speeds coupled with the essential mobility of a wireless connection.
Maxis with its 3G home packages will now be able to effectively compete against TM's Streamyx ADSL service, but the big question is still stability and Quality of Service. At the current rate of internet traffic it is difficult to use 3G as a primary broadband connection. At present TM has introduced lower subscription supposing much better value for money and will not be dislodged easily as the broadband leader.
TIME and MiTV are the latest entrants to the 3G broadband sector as TIME has announced its plans late last year to deploy their network and, while MiTV entrant to the market is welcome, however its path will be far from smooth.
On the other hand, Digi, who lost the bid for the 3G license, has chosen to base its offering on EDGE, a second generation technology which is far behind Maxis and Celcom's 3G. And then there is the much-hyped WiMAX, a wireless broadband technology which could shake up this sector and provide a few interesting changes. It can provide very high speeds within a large area (as much as 50km) and may even turn out to be Malaysia's (Malaysia Boleh-mah) saving grace when it comes to broadband. A few companies has already piloted this technology and the results were very promising, but for pricings? we'll soon find out.
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