Where ever you are in the word, chances are there's a iPhone 5, for you (your territory anyway). It's often said we are not all created equally, in 5's case the industrial design is outstanding and world leading. Meaning your iPhone 5 is precision and your neighbours is too.
Here's the thing, and more accurately all networks are not created equally. This has for the most part always been the same, wether you measure its size, speed, consistency, coverage or customer care.
In the UK Apple will release Model A1429 (GSM model) which will work on existing 3G networks, ticks for all the major operators there. What has been brought to an iPhone, for the first time, although not the first time to market is compatibility with the next generation network, 4G or LTE (Long Term Evolution). The UK iPhone 5 will be capable of working on 4G networks with these bandwidths (parts of the radio spectrum) band 1 (2100 MHz) , band 3 (1800 MHz) and band 5 (850 MHz). I found this info on Apples website, although not the UK one, the US one. Apple UK's site unsurprisingly has no real mention of 4G, just this statement "Next-generation mobile data and wireless connectivity.
iPhone 5 supports more networks all over the world. That includes advanced networks such as HSPA, HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA. Browse, download and stream content at ultra-fast speeds..."
The Killer feature of the iPhone 5, should be super fast network connections. In the US, where 4G is more established this maybe the case, here in the UK, we are behind the times, behind with our networks and behind with our download speeds.
For the UK, band 5 that's the 850MHz part of the signal spectrum is already being used, as far as I can tell too, there are no plans to free any or part of this band up presently.
Band 1 (2100 MHz) is I believe currently being used by all 3G networks and may become available to O2 and Vodafone, in the long run.
Band 3 (1800 MHz) In November 2911, Everything Everywhere, now EE asked Ofcom to consider a change in use for it's 1800 MHz band, the change now granted will allow EE to launch 4G comparatively quickly by its rivals standards. So here in the UK, EE customers will shortly be able to enjoy 4G speeds. The 3 network has purchased a small part of EE's band, allowing EE to comply with the terms of granting them 4G. Three will launch its 4G network sometime in 2013.
Ofcom's 2100 MHz auction, due sometime next year will provide more scope for UK 4G, but is currently not supported in iPhone 5. Could it be when these bands become live, Apple will release another model iPhone compatible with theses frequencies?
So at the moment 4G in the UK is in its infancy and therefor it's tricky to predict who will have the best 4G network. Or wether its worth jumping to EE, to take advantage of quicker speeds, knowing for the start anyway 4G service will be patchy, like 3G was when it started.
While we wait for 4G, I would like to know what UK networks support DC-HSDPA (which stands for dual-cell high speed packet access), then we could all make a more informed choice about which network to choose.
After searching online for that very question I found this cnet article, posted in May http://bit.ly/Kq1Xi5.
Let's assume for a moment say, O2 has a usable DC-HSDPA network, what will my iPhones network indicator display 3.5G or H for DC-HSDPA?
Showing posts with label 4G. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4G. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
UK defines a new mobile era, just in time.
Today, The news from OFCOM, the UK's communications regulator is that LTE or 4G is on its way, kind of. Ahead of the much anticipated 4G auction next year, they have agreed everything everywhere (the union of Orange and T-Mobile mobile networks) can reuse part of their frequency (1800 hertz) for 4G.
Customers could potentially take advantage of 4G's improved speeds from September the 11th. Holy moly, did you say September the 11th? Isn't that the day before Apples much hyped and unconfirmed date for the release of the new iPhone, yes the very same!
Now If, and it is a massive if, a massive unconfirmed, internet hyped, rumour rich if, the next iPhone supports 4G on just one frequency, 1800 hertz then Everything and everywhere had secured a massive lead in the UK market. And If Apple have been able to include a chipset that supports multiple 4G frequencies the Orange and T-Mobile duo have still played s blinder as other 4G UK Networks won't come online until at least 2013.
In a country where political correctness, equal opportunities and monopoly and mergers rule, how can it be that one mobile network provider has managed to circumvent everyday fairness.
Throw into the mix to, everywhere and everything's brand statement "Everything Everywhere confirms that we are planning to launch a new brand in the UK later this year. This new brand will sit alongside our existing brands Orange and T-Mobile. We will reveal more information on our exciting plans in due course." released today, then this brand launch could be spearheaded by this 4G advantage. This is akin to Visa using the Olympics as a platform to officially launch contact less payment in the Uk. Or P&G utilising London 2012 to launch P&G as the brand of choice for beauty s d healthcare , in a way never before seen. We all know Pampers, Olay and Pantene connecting them all through the P&G brand is massive.
Everywhere and Everything have a similar moment to capture consumers hearts and Internet speeds, not for the life if a shampoo bottle, but for 24 months of public locked in loyalty.
What about the UK's other leading mobile providers well apparently O2 (the UK's original and exclusive iPhone provider) issued a statement saying "We are hugely disappointed with today’s announcement, which will mean the majority of customers will be excluded from the first wave of digital services. This decision undermines the competitive environment for 4G in the UK."
Vodafone concurred "We are frankly shocked that Ofcom has reached this decision. The regulator has shown a careless disregard for the best interests of consumers, businesses and the wider economy through its refusal to properly regard the competitive distortion created by allowing one operator to run services before the ground has been laid for a fully competitive 4G market."
And Three, who market their network on the fact it was Specifically built for the internet conclude "Liberalisation of 2G spectrum to date has distorted the competitive landscape in the UK, which ultimately harms consumers. Further liberalisation without addressing competition issues could make that distortion worse." Three are apparently in talks with Everything and Everywhere to join their 4G party. A condition of the Orange and T-Mobile merger was that the newly formed group would need to sell some of their 4G spectrum to Three. Although at this stage it's unclear wether this from the 1800 hertz spectrum or part of the yet unreleased spectrum to be fort over in provisional Q3 of next year.
Only time, Apple statements, luck and the public will decide what happens next. Exciting times at faster speeds ahead.
Customers could potentially take advantage of 4G's improved speeds from September the 11th. Holy moly, did you say September the 11th? Isn't that the day before Apples much hyped and unconfirmed date for the release of the new iPhone, yes the very same!
Now If, and it is a massive if, a massive unconfirmed, internet hyped, rumour rich if, the next iPhone supports 4G on just one frequency, 1800 hertz then Everything and everywhere had secured a massive lead in the UK market. And If Apple have been able to include a chipset that supports multiple 4G frequencies the Orange and T-Mobile duo have still played s blinder as other 4G UK Networks won't come online until at least 2013.
In a country where political correctness, equal opportunities and monopoly and mergers rule, how can it be that one mobile network provider has managed to circumvent everyday fairness.
Throw into the mix to, everywhere and everything's brand statement "Everything Everywhere confirms that we are planning to launch a new brand in the UK later this year. This new brand will sit alongside our existing brands Orange and T-Mobile. We will reveal more information on our exciting plans in due course." released today, then this brand launch could be spearheaded by this 4G advantage. This is akin to Visa using the Olympics as a platform to officially launch contact less payment in the Uk. Or P&G utilising London 2012 to launch P&G as the brand of choice for beauty s d healthcare , in a way never before seen. We all know Pampers, Olay and Pantene connecting them all through the P&G brand is massive.
Everywhere and Everything have a similar moment to capture consumers hearts and Internet speeds, not for the life if a shampoo bottle, but for 24 months of public locked in loyalty.
What about the UK's other leading mobile providers well apparently O2 (the UK's original and exclusive iPhone provider) issued a statement saying "We are hugely disappointed with today’s announcement, which will mean the majority of customers will be excluded from the first wave of digital services. This decision undermines the competitive environment for 4G in the UK."
Vodafone concurred "We are frankly shocked that Ofcom has reached this decision. The regulator has shown a careless disregard for the best interests of consumers, businesses and the wider economy through its refusal to properly regard the competitive distortion created by allowing one operator to run services before the ground has been laid for a fully competitive 4G market."
And Three, who market their network on the fact it was Specifically built for the internet conclude "Liberalisation of 2G spectrum to date has distorted the competitive landscape in the UK, which ultimately harms consumers. Further liberalisation without addressing competition issues could make that distortion worse." Three are apparently in talks with Everything and Everywhere to join their 4G party. A condition of the Orange and T-Mobile merger was that the newly formed group would need to sell some of their 4G spectrum to Three. Although at this stage it's unclear wether this from the 1800 hertz spectrum or part of the yet unreleased spectrum to be fort over in provisional Q3 of next year.
Only time, Apple statements, luck and the public will decide what happens next. Exciting times at faster speeds ahead.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
London 2012 Calling, Texting, Tweeting...
With 500,000 visitors set to be welcomed to London on an average day in the peak season (including day trippers) it is inevitable that
‘Mobile networks may be slowed down at peak times during the Games.’
London organisers say that" Additional capacity and coverage for mobile phone networks is being put in around Games venues. This will overlay the existing coverage provision and existing customers can expect a ‘normal’ service during Games-time.
However, at times of peak demand it is unavoidable that mobile networks may be slowed down by higher volumes of traffic. Voice, email and low-data traffic are unlikely to be affected, but it may be difficult to download larger content such as files or images."
So what exactly has been done behind the scenes to ensure your mobile digital life isn't disqualified by our games.
BT have installed free Wi-Fi in 500,000 hotspots around London. (that's 1 wifi hotspot for each of the expected 500,000 visitors)
Smartphones are set up to love wifi over mobile networks, which is great for users as these are increasingly free and always faster than 3G networks. In the UK 3G is currently the fastest way to transfer data over a mobile network, although the big operators are testing and investing in 4G or LTE, we don't have this availability currently Its auction looks like being put back to at least 2013 too.
So the plan is that these extra hotspots will take some of the strain off our everyday mobile networks, allowing us to tweet or facebook that must share "look at me, at the Olympics" picture to our mates. The thing with wifi, though is it's range isn't usually huge and if we're on the move, we may quickly become out of range and then rely on our everyday networks.
According to clarity smartphone users upload more data than they download, this isn't so surprising when you consider the massive growth of the social networks and our insatiable appetite for sharing photos, videos and checking in to places.
In a recent article in The Guardian this is what the main contenders said about how they have prepared to keep our mobile devices connected "O2, whose network is piggy-backed by mobile service providers giffgaff and Tesco Mobile, said it had invested £50m in its network to help cope with the increased demand during the Olympics.
A spokesman said: "As an industry, we have been planning for over two years, and O2 alone has invested £50m in London 2012 – increasing capacity on the current network and building new temporary sites across the country. On top of that, Wi-Fi will also play a huge role for those people who will want to use data services at the Games, including Facebook and Twitter."
Everything Everywhere (EE), which operates the integrated Orange and T-Mobile network, said: "We've invested millions of pounds to ensure a good experience for both British and international visitors to the Olympics.
"We've also increased measures in place to maintain service and operational stability during the Games. Additional field maintenance resource in the areas of the country most affected are in place, alongside dedicated incident managers to ensure a very rapid response to any service-affecting incidents."
A spokeswoman for Virgin Mobile, which also runs off the EE network, stated: "We're thoroughly prepared for the Olympics right across our business and we're working with our network partner to ensure the best experience for our customers during the Games."
Stuart Newstead, spokesperson for the Mobile Experience Group, which represents all UK operators in the UK, said all companies had been working together for two and a half years to get as much capacity into and around the Olympic venues as possible.
"UK operators have been adding extra capacity to their backhaul networks and adding additional carriers and sectors to antennas to meet the expected demand. But it is an unprecedented level of demand, and all we can say is that we are as prepared as we can be.""
There's only one way to answer this question, and we shall all have to wait and see.
What do you think will the mobile infrastructure hold out? Leave us a comment
‘Mobile networks may be slowed down at peak times during the Games.’
London organisers say that" Additional capacity and coverage for mobile phone networks is being put in around Games venues. This will overlay the existing coverage provision and existing customers can expect a ‘normal’ service during Games-time.
However, at times of peak demand it is unavoidable that mobile networks may be slowed down by higher volumes of traffic. Voice, email and low-data traffic are unlikely to be affected, but it may be difficult to download larger content such as files or images."
So what exactly has been done behind the scenes to ensure your mobile digital life isn't disqualified by our games.
BT have installed free Wi-Fi in 500,000 hotspots around London. (that's 1 wifi hotspot for each of the expected 500,000 visitors)
Smartphones are set up to love wifi over mobile networks, which is great for users as these are increasingly free and always faster than 3G networks. In the UK 3G is currently the fastest way to transfer data over a mobile network, although the big operators are testing and investing in 4G or LTE, we don't have this availability currently Its auction looks like being put back to at least 2013 too.
 |
| Source: Apple |
According to clarity smartphone users upload more data than they download, this isn't so surprising when you consider the massive growth of the social networks and our insatiable appetite for sharing photos, videos and checking in to places.
In a recent article in The Guardian this is what the main contenders said about how they have prepared to keep our mobile devices connected "O2, whose network is piggy-backed by mobile service providers giffgaff and Tesco Mobile, said it had invested £50m in its network to help cope with the increased demand during the Olympics.
A spokesman said: "As an industry, we have been planning for over two years, and O2 alone has invested £50m in London 2012 – increasing capacity on the current network and building new temporary sites across the country. On top of that, Wi-Fi will also play a huge role for those people who will want to use data services at the Games, including Facebook and Twitter."
Everything Everywhere (EE), which operates the integrated Orange and T-Mobile network, said: "We've invested millions of pounds to ensure a good experience for both British and international visitors to the Olympics.
"We've also increased measures in place to maintain service and operational stability during the Games. Additional field maintenance resource in the areas of the country most affected are in place, alongside dedicated incident managers to ensure a very rapid response to any service-affecting incidents."
 |
| How's your signal holding? |
A spokeswoman for Virgin Mobile, which also runs off the EE network, stated: "We're thoroughly prepared for the Olympics right across our business and we're working with our network partner to ensure the best experience for our customers during the Games."
Stuart Newstead, spokesperson for the Mobile Experience Group, which represents all UK operators in the UK, said all companies had been working together for two and a half years to get as much capacity into and around the Olympic venues as possible.
"UK operators have been adding extra capacity to their backhaul networks and adding additional carriers and sectors to antennas to meet the expected demand. But it is an unprecedented level of demand, and all we can say is that we are as prepared as we can be.""
There's only one way to answer this question, and we shall all have to wait and see.
What do you think will the mobile infrastructure hold out? Leave us a comment
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)