3G, short for third-generation, refers to a new type of mobile-phone infrastructure with a higher data capacity than previous networks (such as 2G and 2.5G). The main benefit of 3G should be easier use of the mobile Internet. Activities such as video-broadcasting via mobile phone should also become possible.

But how big is the market for it? European telecoms operators thought it was huge—and in 2000, they dug themselves deep into debt by bidding wildly for 3G licenses. But investors disagreed, and the operators' share prices and credit ratings sank. Whether consumers want it is unclear: Europeans seem content with text messaging. Moreover, competitive technologies are emerging that could render 3G irrelevant.

Japan became the first country to roll out 3G, in October 2001 (after a five-month delay due to technical problems). But South Korea, using a slightly different network, also claims to be the world's leader in the adoption of 3G technology. Even America has surpassed Europe, whose 3G roll-out, scheduled for 2002, has failed miserably because it is committed to a technology that doesn't yet work.

5:13:01 PM    comment   

NTT to combine wireline, wireless offerings: Japan's telecom giant NTT has about 250 hot spots rolled out, and is aiming for 1,000 in the near future, but expects to use these as tools to acquire more combo wired/wireless customers rather than a revenue source by themselves. This reflects what I anticipate T-Mobile's secondary interest is in expanding hot spots: relative cheap 24-hours-a-day advertising at most Starbucks, all Borders, and many airport lounges. Good deal for them for the advertising buck. (Their primary interest? Getting their feet wet to see whether Wi-Fi can really bring in revenue.)

5:09:03 PM    comment   

Paul Andrews on ubiquitous demand, scarce access: Paul was at Comdex and found everyone had wireless adapters, but hardly a Wi-Fi outlet to be found. He also saw the future of cell-data wireless: fast and everywhere. But he has to remember that he was one of the only users on that 3 Mbps connection. It's a party line, cell transmissions, and when you get a lot of users all downloading streaming video at the same time, you lose speed.

5:08:05 PM    comment   

Boston Globe: Starbucks plus Wi-Fi equals virtual office: Scott Kirsner writes about how entrepreneurs can use Starbucks as their corporate meeting room, and the etiquette issues that result.

5:04:32 PM    comment