Day 2, Session 3, SPEED, COVERAGE AND QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE
Posted Live from MEX
Speaker: Liam Galin, CEO, Flash Networks
Liam explained how all the elements are there and the time is right – but the implementation still does not meet expectations.
People want…
- Short sessions
- Immediate gratification
- Consistency
- Zero latency (users are easily distracted and can’t wait)
The introduction of 3G has actually caused increased use of 2.5G (GPRS). There are too many devices and too many content types. A new device (or derivative) is introduced every 12 minutes. The closed walled garden portal is slowly being replaced with open browsing but most sites cannot be read on a mobile device. The subscriber expects a broadband experience. Data rates are less than advertised. Latency is still a problem. Device limitations and conditions affect the data rate.
Is it possible to converge networks with such different speeds? It’s possible to optimise (data on) the slower networks such that the data rates become closer. It’s possible to push data (pages) when the user is idle – thus removing the latency.
Optimising data rates and using idle time push reduces the possibility of disruptions during brief periods when there can be poor signal quality.
It’s also possible to send text before graphics to allow instant (text) rendering and progressive image rendering. i.e. The user does not have to wait long to see something.
Notes posted live from MEX – More detailed report, including panel discussion, will be available after the event.
Congrats on a focused and very accurate point of view. My company are trying to address the ‘need for speed’ and have recently using ONSPEED accelerated 3G Wireless Data Cards to a throughput equivalent of 2.7Mbps. I would very much like to join the overall debate on on the speed theme. A precis of a recent press release follows: Across all download tests of 3G cards (rated at 384kbps) Teamwork achieved a median acceleration rate of the equivalent of 2.7Mbps. Tests were run on a diverse range of data types around the clock to establish the median.
Teamwork CEO, Norm Hosken comments: “ONSPEED is the recognised brand leader for both Dial-up and Broadband acceleration with some 700,000 existing users. Now, the application of ONSPEED has another significant contribution to make in the area of 3G Wireless Data Cards. As subscribers extend their interest in achieving full mobility, the 3G Data Card is fast becoming a convenient and cost effective alternative for conventional Broadband. With the application of ONSPEED, 3G Data Card usage will in many respects, parallel or in certain circumstances enhance the existing value proposition for users of high-speed Broadband.�
He further added: “International Business travelers, corporate enterprises and techno-savvy segments are the obvious targets for ONSPEED-enhanced 3G Data Cards, however, the eventual market place will likely extend significantly across all user types.
The application of ONSPEED in conjunction with the 3G Card also becomes a high-interest proposition for cellular operators wishing to differentiate their 3G Data Card offerings, optimizing the client resident ONSPEED software which obviates the need for any change to the operator’s network�.
ONSPEED Version 5.0 is available for online sale or initial free trial immediately from http://www.OnSpeedAsia.com as a small 1.36Mb download, which takes less than 4 minutes to install. It is compatible with Windows and MAC and also works on Pocket PC and PDA’s.
A range of scenario analyses are available upon request for cellular operators wishing to establish the potential ROI characteristics of an ONSPEED enhanced 3G Wireless Data Card.
Kindest regards. N