The evolution of mobile technologies is based on increasing the speed of the data connection between the phone and the network provider (Digifone/Eircell). The higher the speed (bandwidth), the more data that can be transferred and therefore more sophisticated communications can take place.
Anyone with an 087 or 086 mobile is using GSM (groupe special mobile) with data rates at a measly 9.6K (9,600 bits of data per second). HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) will take the data rate to 56K and solutions are already available. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) in early 2001 will provide a permanent connection to the network with projected data rates of 56K to 115K. The next step will be EDGE (Enhanced Data rate or GSM Evolution) expected in 2002 and offering data rates of 384K. The arrival of third generation (3G) phones and networks based on UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) in 2002 or 2003 will see the data rate jump to 2M which represents a 200-fold increase on what we have now with GSM, making wireless mobile multimedia a reality. It is important to note that the data rates quoted are maximums and each new standard will deliver the higher data rate in incremental steps.
Eircell has invested in HSCSD technology and can supply data rates up to 28K for mobile computing (laptops). The first HSCSD mobile phone available in Ireland will be the Nokia 6210 (also WAP enabled), which is scheduled to arrive this year with data rates of up to 43.2K. Digifone has no plans for this type of service.
Both Eircell and Digifone are deploying GPRS technology in their networks and testing of the service will begin towards the end of the year, with a launch to the public early in 2001, although this is dependent on the availability of GPRS-capable phones.