Although 3G is already one of the most common features among handsets today, there are several innovations and changes that had to be done to get it working the way it is at present. Several countries and mobile networks introduced various technologies and efficiencies, through demonstrations to hopefully appeal to the customers that need 3G the most.

Here are some more details on the development of the technology.

First Demonstration

m.Net Corporation created the first pre-commercial demonstration in Adelaide, South Australia, for the southern hemisphere in February 2002. UMTS on 2100 MHz was used for the demo. The demonstration network was made for the 2002 IT World Congress. Hutchison Telecommunications launched the first commercial 3G network, called Three, in April 2003.

As of December 2007, there were 190 3G networks functioning in 40 nations, with 150 HSDPA networks operating in 71 nations, according to the GSA or Global Mobile Suppliers Association. Telecommunications use W-CDMA technology in the United States, Europe, Asia and Canada, together with the support of about 100 terminal styles to function 3G mobile networks.

More on 3G Networks

In Europe, there were volume market commercial 3G services introduced and launched beginning in March 2003. This was by nations, namely the United Kingdom, Italy and a part of Hutchison Whampoa. 3G operators were suggested by the European Union Council to cover 80% of the European national populations as 2005 ends.

Roll-out of 3G networks were also delayed in a number of nations through the big prices of added spectrum licensing costs and fees. In several nations, 3G networks do not apply similar radio frequencies as 2G, so mobile operators should create wholly new netowrks and permit totally new frequencies.

The United States is an exception since carriers function 3G service via the same frequencies as other given services. The license fees in a number of European nations also tend to be high, pushed by sealed bid auctions, the growing excitement over the effects and potential of 3G technology and the government auctions of a certain number of licenses. The expenses of upgrading tools and equipment for new systems also triggered more delays.

Getting Connected

As of June 2007, there are already over 200 million 3G subscribers connected. The number, however, comprises only 6.7% of the 3 billion total number of mobile phone subscriptions all over the world. Japan and South Korea were the very first nations to be connected and launched the 3G, so over 70% of the total mobile phone subscriptions are connected. Italy has the highest number of connections in Europe with 33% of subscribers having the technology. Other countries that also lead include the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and Austria, with over 20% 3G migration.

Licenses and Connection

A statistic that might confuse you are counting 3G clients together with CDMA 2000 1x RTT. Via the definition, the total 3G subscriber based with be around 475 million as of June 2007, with 15.8% of all subscribers around the globe. A lot of big countries like Indonesia have not yet been given 3G licenses, as more and more clients await the service. China has postponed the decision to get 3G for several years.

In May 2008, China decided that three 3G networks will be given to China Mobile, the biggest mobile operator. The telecommunications sector in the country has been re-organized.

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Satellite radio is often considered one of the biggest improvements in broadcasting since the introduction of the FM band. Satellite radio is also called subscription radio or pay-radio because it is only available trough subscription to one of the satellite radio providing companies.

Satellite radio follows a concept similar to cable television by providing a very wide range of programs which are not available in the traditional FM or AM format for a fee.

Satellite radio uses satellites to deliver radio programs to subscribers.
The radio signal is broadcast from Earth based stations to communication satellites, which then redirect the signal to satellite radio receivers. The radio signal is broadcast by communication satellites to a much larger area than traditional terrestrial radio antennas.

For example, satellite radio is available al across the continental area of the United States. Satellite radio is available now in most parts of the world trough services provided by companies like WorldSpace (in Europe, Asia and Africa), Sirius and XM Radio (in North America).

The radio signal you receive using satellite radio is digital, which means that it is always clear and static-free, which is one of the great advantages of satellite radio. Another great thing about satellite radio is that it is almost completely commercial-free.

To begin listening to satellite radio you will need the actual satellite radio (also known as tuner or receiver), a satellite radio antenna (which is often incorporated in the satellite radio) and a subscription to the service you choose.

There are several types of satellite radio from which you can choose.
One of them is the dedicated car or home radio, which play trough your car or home stereo. A second option is the plug-and-play radio, which can be used in your car, as well as in your home by paying a single subscription. Your third option is the portable radio, which has rechargeable battery, a built-in antenna and you can listen to it wherever you go using headphones.

The radio signals offered by different satellite radio companies are proprietary, which means that you will need different hardware for receiving, decoding and playback, depending on your subscription.

Each satellite radio receiver has its own serial number called Radio ID.
When you get your subscription, you will also get an activation code for your receiver. Besides the actual radio programs, satellite radio transmits metadata that contains the name of the artist, the title of the song or program, as well as the name of the channel. This makes it easier for you to decide which channel to listen to and which program to choose.

Satellite radio services provide the subscriber with more than 100 programs that vary in content from rock and jazz to rap and classical music. But satellite radio’s utility reaches far beyond listening to your favorite music without the interruption of those annoying commercials. Satellite radio also offers exclusive sports programs, cultural and educational shows, news and talk-shows.

Some of the celebrities that have moved their shows from free radio to satellite radio include Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, Bob Edwards and Martha Stewart. Unlike terrestrial radio, satellite radio is not affected by bad weather or even calamities.

At first, many people wondered why they should pay for radio if they can get it free. However, satellite radio attracts more and more people every year due to its great advantages: no commercials, extensive reach, theme programs and exceptional quality of sound.

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