Looks like 3G is on the Edge…
News was in from the beginning of the year that by the end of 2008 PTA will auction licenses for 3G. With the year coming to the end, we have not seen this happen. But now with a two-day workshop on 3G (UMTS/WCDMA) Network Planning, it looks like PTA has laid the foundation for licensing the 3G spectrum early next year.
The workshop was held in association with Qualcomm Inc, USA and Central Asian CDMA Forum at PTA headquarters, Islamabad from 4-5 December 2008.
PTA has assured the telecom industry for its full support and cooperation for the introduction of new technology and to provide level playing field to all the stake holders. On the occasion of closing ceremony, Chairman PTA Dr. Mohammed Yaseen distributed the certificates to the participants of the workshop.
The workshop was conducted by telecom experts and Qualcomm certified trainers Mr. Syed Umair & Mr. Muhammad Arif Khan. The training session covered various areas of 3G WCDMA/UMTS wireless technology including Network consideration, Coverage, Uplink and Down Link Budgets, Propagation, Traffic and Capacity, HSDPA and HSUPA considerations, Network Dimensioning and Tool overview.
Representatives of Mobile phone operators, telecom companies and vendors attended the workshop on 3G.
It may be noted over here that MTNL (Indian Operator) has already launched 3G in few areas of New Delhi and is expanding it steadily to country-wide level. Bangladesh also plans to roll-out 3G services in the coming year.
Reference: PTA website
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[...] at the other side of the picture, how we can grow on our data services. At once it seemed that the 3G license was just on the edge with PTA conducting workshop on it and promising to support the technology. Now its almost a year [...]
@Anon and @Haris
Basically both NSN and Huawei have commissioned some 3G test sites in Islamabad for Telenor.
Who will get the complete project this is not finalized yet…
@haris – Thanks for sharing the info, “a 3G project” as you mentioned can be anything ranging from checking the dimensioning to actual implementation etc. And i do not think any company would be doing heavy investments in 3G equipment before the actual auction.
I think this must be good news for the people who bought overly hyped iPhone 3G. The 3G cannot be success unless the prices are affordable. In the west 3G is the most expensive form of broadband connectivity. I just hope that in Pakistan they realize it and make it more affordable to actually use it as an alternative of other wireless broadband services.
Well thats good to hear that. Better late than never!
@ Haris
Thanks for sharing the information :)
Nokia Siemens is working on 3G project for Telenor and their deadline is March.