3G adoption

Lore & Background

The adoption of 3G networks faced several delays. In some instances, 3G networks did not use the same radio frequencies as 2G, forcing mobile operators to build entirely new networks and license new frequencies, especially to achieve high data transmission rates. The expenses of upgrading transmission hardware were substantial, particularly for UMTS, whose deployment required replacing most broadcast towers. Many carriers delayed acquiring these updated capabilities due to these issues and difficulties with deployment. The enormous costs of additional spectrum licensing fees also delayed rollout in some countries; license fees in some European countries were particularly high, bolstered by government auctions of a limited number of licenses and sealed bid auctions, and initial excitement over 3G's potential.

In December 2007, 190 3G networks were operating in 40 countries and 154 HSDPA networks were operating in 71 countries, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association. In Asia, Europe, Canada and the US, telecommunication companies used W-CDMA technology with the support of around 100 terminal designs to operate 3G mobile networks. The first African use of 3G technology was a video call made in Johannesburg on the Vodacom network in November 2004, with the first commercial launch by Emtel-ltd in Mauritius in 2004. In Asia, Sri Lanka's Dialog Axiata PLC became the first to serve 3G service in South Asia in 2006. Pakistan launched 3G and 4G simultaneously on April 23, 2014, through an SMRA auction, with three out of five companies obtaining a 3G licence.

Reader's Guide

The 3G standard is perhaps well known because of a massive expansion of the mobile communications market post-2G and advances of the consumer mobile phone. An especially notable development during this time is the smartphone, combining the abilities of a PDA with a mobile phone, leading to widespread demand for mobile internet connectivity. 3G has also introduced the term 'mobile broadband' because its speed and capability make it a viable alternative for internet browsing, and USB Modems connecting to 3G networks became increasingly common. The rollout of 3G networks was delayed in some countries by the enormous costs of additional spectrum licensing fees, with some European countries experiencing particularly high fees due to government auctions. Despite these challenges, 3G networks were deployed across Africa, Asia, Europe, Canada, and the US, with various countries adopting different standards such as W-CDMA, CDMA2000, and TD-SCDMA. In India, 3G was introduced later than in many other countries, with the first network launched by MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai in December 2008, and the maximum speed was 384 kilobits/second. The legacy of 3G includes its role in enabling mobile internet access and the proliferation of smartphones, though some operators, such as Airtel in India, have begun shutting down 3G networks in certain regions.

Did You Know?

• The first African 3G video call was made in Johannesburg on the Vodacom network in November 2004.
• Pakistan became the first country in the world to experience EVDO's RevB 3G technology on 14 August 2010.
• North Korea has had a 3G network since 2008, called Koryolink, a joint venture between Orascom Telecom Holding and the state-owned Korea Post and Telecommunications Corporation.