3G technology may be too rich for SA palate - iTouch comments
19 June 2002
News
The long-awaited debut of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) - which promises to provide a bevy of new mobile entertainment and business opportunities - is almost here.
However, Mike Hainebach, New Product Development Manager at top mobile communications application provider, iTouch, warns that SA may lag in the mobile telecoms arena beyond GPRS, given that the costs of its successor 3G (third generation wireless technology) may be prohibitive for our market.
"It is not clear if a developing market like ours can support the very costly wireless technologies based on 3G that are coming out around the globe. But we are very excited at the prospect of GPRS, which has awesome potential to support a host of creative applications. We envisage that it will have the potential to fill the gap we might experience if 3G is not financially viable in the SA market."
SMS applications are mutating and evolving to meet the constant challenge of consumer demand and enabling business applications. Adds Hainebach: "GPRS will revolutionise the messaging industry and its business applications will lead to more efficient companies. Already the marketing and advertising sector has cottoned onto bulk SMS. But GPRS will take this service so much further by enhancing the type of messages and information companies can send. Multi Media Services (SMS on steroids) are on their way. This will allow the transmission of TV-like clips - sports highlights or business presentations - to cellphones. This is but one of the applications which will be made possible through the use of GPRS."
However, Hainebach concludes that for the SA market, which has a relatively high cellphone take-up, but very low PC and Internet access beyond the workplace, may have to use business models that are different from the rest of the world, making for interesting times ahead for this industry in SA.
iTouch, 021 415 2166
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing
News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve
...
Read more...
Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Read more...
Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).
Read more...
Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.
Read more...
TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.
Read more...
Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.
Read more...
Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives
News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.
Read more...
Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.
Read more...
Vicor Powering Innovation podcast
News
The episode explores electrification with Lightning Motorcycles, a company that produces the fastest electric motorcycle on the planet.
Read more...
ModusToolbox Workshop 3
News
This workshop will focus on enabling a PSoC development kit, connected over Wi-Fi and leveraging MQTT, to create the framework of an IoT application.
Read more...
printer friendly version