From RB:
Isle of Man Races For 3G First
By BEN KING, Fri Oct 13, 2000 14:36 CET
Watch it on your phone: Events such as the annual TT motorcycle race on Isle of Man are set to be broadcast on 3G phones. (Photo: Scanpix/Allsport)
The Isle of Man is bidding to become the first place in the world with a commercially launched 3G network, ahead of Japan.
LONDON - Manx Telecom, a wholly owned subsidiary of BT, is the only operator on the island, which lies between Britain and Ireland. It has announced ambitious plans to launch its network commercially in May 2001. Plans have been announced by another group of islands, Japan, to launch 3G services by the same date.
"It is a bit of a race," says Mark Briers, Director of the project for Manx Telecom.
Only 30 miles long, Man won't be difficult to cover with base stations. Only 20 or so masts will be needed to cover the whole island. The first phase of the project is only expected to cover the area around the capital, Douglas.
Limited debut
Even if it does start running before the Japanese, the Manx 3G network won't be truly "commercial." Handsets are the first problem. Only a projected 200 handsets will be available, adapted from an i-mode handset currently sold by NEC in Japan, the N502it. It will be a single mode terminal, with no ability to make GSM calls - though the handsets which launch in most markets are expected to be at least dual mode.
The handset will have a color WAP browser, with some animation and live video conferencing. There will be games, from Gameplay.com, and a city guide to Douglas, the capital city of Man.
"The [applications] are the things that really matter," says Briers.
Manx Telecom has also secured rights to broadcast video clips from the TT motorcycle races. Taking place on Man every June, they are one of Europe's most famous motorcycle racing events.
Offshore banking
The plan is to distribute the handsets among a range of different professions, including Manx Telecom's own staff and workers in the island's large offshore banking sector. Teachers and health workers, who aren't typically the first to adopt new telecoms technologies, will also be included, but the handsets won't make it to the shops.
Data speeds on the handsets will be 384 kbits per second for downloading data, and 64 kilobits per second the other way. This is because of battery constraints, though the infrastructure is capable of the full 384 kbits in either direction. Nonetheless, 64 kbits per second is sufficient for most applications, including videoconferencing.
The project will also involve the implementation of unified billing for 3G. Manx Telecom intends to bill for calls on fixed lines, normal GSM mobiles and 3G mobiles all on the same bill. Manx Telecom is in a unique position to do this, as it is the only supplier of telecoms services on the island.
Though a possession of the British crown, Man is not a part of the United Kingdom, and enjoys a substantial degree of self-government. |
