3G is a telecom standard for mobile communication and video telephony is
its elite application along with higher data transfer speeds for Internet
applications such as web browsing and email.
3G service had been tested and available in the UAE for many years.
However due to its excessive cost and pricy handsets, it was not mainstream
until recently. Now both the handset and cost of subscription
is within affordable levels. This means expatriate Indians and others will
gradually move onto seeing and hearing rather than just hearing the
person they are communicating with.
Currently the quality of the picture is average but in the months and
years to come, we can expect a steady increase in the picture and voice quality.
Charges for a video call are more than double that for a mobile voice call
in a pay-as-you-go package. However its worth the distinctive call that you
make. There are other packages available and you are requested to check
that with the ETISALAT (Emirates Telecommunications Corporation).
If you are an existing customer for ETISALAT mobile
services, enrolling for 3G is simple. It involves subscribing to the service
by contacting ETISALAT and owning a 3G capable mobile phone.
The main specialty of a 3G phone is that it has two cameras
- both in the
front and back; with the more powerful one at the rear for taking normal
photos and video.
While you are on a video call, you see the other
person in the bigger box
on your screen and yourself in a smaller box. Service coverage is
reportedly expanding rapidly.
4G (4th Generation) standard which is fully IP (Internet Protocol) based,
things are set to take a turn for even higher quality video in the
future. Web access, MMS, e-mail are other applications coming along with the 3G.
It is a nice feeling to start seeing the person as you speak
to. Voice is heard
on the speakers and can be switched to a compatible headset when privacy is
needed. Nokia's N70 & N73 are two examples of 3G compatible phones.
While in India, 3G and 4G is being discussed, it not very clear which
service provider provides it currently and the areas they cover. If
available, it would be a great opportunity for those away from home to
quickly see their loved ones be it their lover, wife, parents, or friend on their
favorite mobile screen and that alone will revolutionalise 3G calling.
We are yet to see may people making video calls but it
would be a matter of time. Word is spreading fast and more and more people
are joining the video calling. In countries such as Japan, this service is
already a big
hit and millions of people make regular video calls.
- TP Gopinath for CalicutNet.com
