As they say when you talk about technology , it is a phenomenon which is continuously evolving and is dynamic in its own very nature. 1G (1st generation) technology which was based on analogue signals evolved into 2G (2nd generation) which consisted of digital signals. One of the biggest advantage of 2G technology was the start of data services starting with short messaging service (SMS). 2G technology which started in 1991 in Finland continues to be used in many parts of the world, specially developing nations like ours still utilize 2G technology. Yes , and we are still using only the basic data services such as SMS, GPRS,Email and a little advanced, EDGE which is advanced technology by our standards. These are the benefits which were enjoyed by the developed world in early and mid 1990s.
Since 2G there has been continuous evolution of technology. As time passed world moved to 2.5G which introduced GPRS (General Packet Radio Service ) which enabled data transfer from 56 kbit/s up to 115 kbit/s. With the introduction of 2.5G , many services such as WAP, MMS and email came into being.
2.5G (two and half generation) technology was the start of evolution towards more advanced technology and higher data transfer rates. Consequently in the process of evolution towards 3G came another success in the form of 2.75G.
2.75G enabled EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) technology whereby it delivers higher bit-rates per radio channel, resulting in a threefold increase in capacity and performance compared with an ordinary GSM/GPRS connection.It achieves higher data-rates (up to 236.8 kbit/s.
3G (third generation) allows simultaneous use of voice and data services and gives access to services like video calls and mobile TV by providing even higher data transfer rates. Because of high speed data transfer rate it provides enhanced audio and video streaming, video conferencing support and web browsing at higher speed.
One of the most amazing blessing of 3G is Mobile VoIP. Yes, like most of us who use VoIP services like Skype, there are numerous applications that provide Mobile VoIP which offer very cheap or free calls . Example of Mobile VoIP applications include Yeigo, Fring and Truphone.
With the continuous evolution of technology , the story does not end here. In fact , there is no end to the growth of technology. Even 3G had improvements in the form of HSDPA for networks based on UMTS and HSPA+.
Now, it is time for even more higher data transfer rates and more importantly even higher bandwidths and frequencies. Keeping this in mind, a new standard dubbed LTE (Long Term Evolution) is starting to take place in developed countries. Although it cannot be called 4G but is mostly referred to as 3.9G. Originally conceived by DOCOMO , JAPAN it provides peak download rates of 100Mbps.
LTE is based on radio waves , unlike 3G. Interestingly , LTE solves the many problems faced when using Mobile VoIP like limited coverage of WiFi, expensive 3G. LTE promises to provide all the ingredients needed for a reliable , cheap and quality use of Mobile VoIP.
LTE has already been made available in many parts of the world starting from Sweden and Norway in 2009 to USA in 2010 and similarly followed by other nations of the world like Russia, Thailand and Germany.
VoIP is dubbed as the future of telephony. It's biggest advantage is that its based on internet and therefore the only cost associated with using VoIP is your internet bill. A small fee for any mobile VoIP application and thats about it. VoIP provides upto 40% cheaper calls compared to regular telephony as well as numerous other benefits .
Voice calls no more provide the main stream of revenues for cellular companies like Docomo in Japan which report more revenue from data services then voice services. Hence we need to move in the same direction as well of which 3G is the first step in the right direction. People in Pakistan do not want a million sms messages for 3 rupees a day , they want to move ahead and explore new levels of technology and gain benefits of this dynamic world of technology.
The bottom line is , the future is VoIP more specifically its Mobile VoIP , the future is LTE.
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