These days, it’s hard to imagine life without text messaging and voice calling, and the mobile phone offers faster and more convenient ways to communicate, and has changed the way we do business. With the introduction of third generation, or 3G phones early this year, we see ourselves standing in the cusp of another telecommunications revolution. Finally, your mobile phone is capable of high speed Internet access.

3G refers to a type of mobile communications system based on the Wireless Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) platform. 3G technology combines rich data (such as streaming video, location-based services, and instant messaging) and voice communications over a high-speed network. Its precursor, 2.5G, introduced data services like General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) connectivity and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS), allowing users to send picture messages and browse websites commonly done using handsets optimized for websites.

3G technology is being introduced aggressively in the Asia-Pacific region. In Japan, its introduction years ago served as a benchmark for the market adoption of high telecommunications technology, and spiked demand for services like full music downloads and access to content portals. With the continuous rollout of 3G networks, this would make worldwide roaming more ubiquitous and engaging. And with the offering of aggressive 3G handsets and the support of an enthusiastic developer community, the market maybe in for bigger surprises – it may even happen sooner than expected.

With 3G, Web surfing is made faster through its ability to support higher download speeds of up to 384 kilobytes per second, so previous user complaint against mobile Internet access are now addressed. Video calling, touted as a key application demonstrating the true power of 3G, makes it possible for people to have a real-time face-to-face conversation as long as both parties are connected to the network.  

To take advantage of 3G, mobile phone users must upgrade their handsets to a 3G compatible one. These handsets typically have built-in features like two cameras on the front and back to facilitate video calling. They also have bigger screens for better Web surfing. Of late, Nokia, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson have released 3G-capable phones bundled with postpaid plans by major telecommunications companies. There won’t be problems with using earlier applications because 3G is backward compatible, meaning there will be no changes in the way we make phone calls or send text messages.

Several technology companies have also taken significant interest in 3G and have pledged to develop new applications that would appeal to specific market segments. An example of these applications is the Sales Force Automation software, which allows a user to download sales information from remote servers to secure point of sale (POS) equipment. This means a field agent can make transactions and issue receipts using his 3G phone. With a promising service roadmap like this, now’s the time to consider including 3G phones and services to your mobility plans for the year.

3G also make it possible for users to enjoy multi-media streaming services. In the past, watching television shows over the phone was unthinkable. With 3G, television stations like ABS-CBN, CNN, and GMA, as well as on-demand video clips, can be now viewed on our mobile phones.