3G Phone Trial Started in Japan

Reefa writes: "The first 3G phone trial has started in Japan. Of the 147000 that applied, 3300 lucky users have been given 3G phones (they have to pay for data access) to test out so that bugs can be fixed before a general release. Example of bugs could be screens freezing up, to which a re-boot (switch off/on) of the phone is the only solution. Kinda reminds me of Windows. Anyway, I am sure that it would be fun to actually test drive one of these FOMA phones. What I would really like to see is real figures of data rates on these phone during peak usage hours." There's also a Reuters story.

Comments

Re:3G is vaporware; Ricochet is here today

[infiniti99]

Ricochet is good, but the concept is not the same. Ricochet relies on very close-range (quarter mile) access points, and there is no voice capability (although that could be added I suppose). Wireless phones transmit across miles to the nearest tower and serve as an all purpose communications device for both voice and data.

Currently, GSM (Global System for Mobile), the most popular wireless standard, has coverage in just about every country. With Globalstar satellite service, it has coverage of the entire planet.

While data rates are limited to 9600bps in most areas, 3G is set to be an upgrade to existing networks. This means that when 3G is finally out there, the coverage will likely be just as great as GSM currently is now (maybe minus the satellite part). Other networks are planning a 3rd generation as well.. GSM is not the only one.

Ricochet is a good deal, and if you live in their territory and you don't travel much, it can be useful. Like an extended wireless LAN or something. But for true coverage everywhere you go, you have to turn to wireless phones.

-Justin