KARACHI: Third generation technology or what is popularly known as 3G provides typical services like wireless voice telephony and broadband wireless data, all in a mobile environment. With a capability for high-speed wireless data transfer, the 3G has enhanced and made possible a myriad of additional applications.

Mobile network operators and telecommunications service providers the world over are embracing recently adopted 3G wireless standards in a bid to cater to the demand of emerging users and to offer new services to their customers.

Cellular operators in Pakistan seem not in favour of acquiring 3G technology as they believe this is not the appropriate time for it. No GSM (global system for mobile) operator has so far adopted 3G technology in the country.

All the cellphone services providers are of the view that 3G technology is going to be expensive, both to the customer as well as the provider. Installation and network administration in itself will require heavy investments while licence cost and investment required for upgrading network infrastructure and business systems remain the biggest impediments in the way of operators opting for 3G at a time of global economic slowdown.

Another issue is that the new technology means existing handsets will not be compatible with it and new and more expensive handsets as well as packages for 3G will make a big hole in the customer’s pocket.

Mobilink spokesman Omar Manzur said “we support new technologies to bring Pakistan in line with technological advancements in the world. At the same time, there is concern over return on investment owing to relatively low 3G demand on account of current state of telecommunications and affordability of using broadband services as well as price of 3G handset and devices. The demand for 3G will evolve over time and it requires significant investment.”
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