On the go with 3G

In the past two months, mobile subscribers were able to test-drive 3G personally for the first time in the Philippines via Globe’s 3G (third-generation) customer trials.

In fact, they were all enthusiastic about the technology’s potential when it becomes fully available.

Users tapped by Globe to participate in these trials included executives and business people from leading companies such as Ayala Land, General Milling Corp. (GMC), Sun Life Financial, Pru Life UK, and the Aboitiz Group of Companies.

Since January, they have been provided 3-G enabled mobile phones to try and experience Globe’s 3G services.

The 3G services elicited positive feedback from participating subscribers. In particular, IT executives like GMC director for management information systems Allen Bacallan, said 3G services like video calling, audio and video streaming and high-speed Web browsing will probably be very useful in both personal and business settings.

"I’ve showcased the 3G-enabled phone as a laptop modem in several meetings already. My friends and business associates are impressed by the connection speed, and they are already interested to know when 3G will become commercially available," he said.

3G-capable phones provide convenient Internet access for business people who need vital information while on the go. The trial users who used them as modems consistently got rapid Internet connection speeds of as high as 406 Kbps, considerably faster than the top speeds achieved with GPRS.

"This technology can have many applications in the manufacturing industry," Bacallan said.

"For instance, our field personnel can use the video call and video share functions while conducting trade checks. We will be able to get more precise information on the availability of stocks and placement of our merchandise. This can also be applied in conducting quality checks on products made by third-party manufacturers," he added.

These functions can also have corporate applications in other industries. Brett Medel, Pru Life UK’s vice president for information systems, said, "It has a lot of potential for field representatives who can download video presentations. Video calling and video sharing will also be very helpful especially during emergency situations, where medical assistance and assessment are immediate."

The trial users also agreed that 3G services greatly enhance their personal options for communication and entertainment. Medel watches TV programs on his 3G-powered phone, while Bacallan uses it to catch up on the news, get satellite-based weather forecasts, download daily technical bulletins, and browse e-mails on his phone, but all at significantly faster speeds which translate into an improved experience.

Before this, he had to rely on the slower GPRS, with access only to broadband speeds if he could find a Wi-Fi zone. "3G will give me the freedom to do these anytime, anywhere at broadband speeds. Busy people appreciate having services like these that enrich both their professional and personal lives," Bacallan said.

The trial participants also expressed their appreciation at having been selected to work with Globe in testing the new technology and providing inputs into how to improve the services further.

"It’s an honor and privilege to be among the first to try out 3G services for a considerable period of time," Medel said.

"I’ve had a very positive experience with 3G, and I think it has a lot of potential once fully available," Bacallan said.

Likewise, other business people who witnessed Globe’s 3G demo during the recent Greenbelt 3 bar tour were impressed by the technology and expressed their excitement about its full availability.

"I’m really looking forward to the full rollout of 3G," said Oliver Sison, product manager of USSC-RCPI. "The possibilities presented by 3G services such as video calling and faster Internet browsing are important to me, both in my personal and business communications."

Syngenta Phils. marketing manager Bart Biagtan said, "My mobile phone has become integral to my everyday dealings, whether I’m contacting clients or my family and friends. With Globe’s upcoming rollout of 3G, I can have access to other useful services on top of the standard voice, MMS and SMS."

Debbie Go, product manager of Bayer Consumer Health Care, agree, saying, "3G technology will allow me to conduct personal and business pursuits even when I’m on the go."

With the varied capabilities it offers, 3G is expected to have a major impact on the country’s telecommunications industry.