Mar 06, 2003 11:33 AM
13927 Views
(Updated Mar 08, 2003 04:18 PM)
With the mobile revolution sweeping across India, here are a few facts about the GSM technology, & the CDMA (WLL) technology:
Loud and clear
GSM enables better voice clarity, because of a dedicated voice channel for each conversation. Voice quality suffers on WLL due to a shared voice channel, especially with a larger number of subscribers.
No limits to your calls
With GSM, you can call any number in your city, be it landline or cellular, at local calling rates. WLL calls are restricted to the subscribed SDCA (Short Distance Charging Areas) within city limits, beyond which long distance rates would be charged.
Value added services
GSM brings you more value with SMS & SMS based services, GPRS, MMS, location-based services and mobile commerce. As it stands today, law does not allow the SMS facility on WLL subscriptions. Even if offered by WLL, owing to no interconnect agreements with GSM operators, it would not work with 10 million GSM subscribers.
The freedom to roam
With GSM, you get seamless roaming facility with one single number wherever you go in India and abroad. With WLL, services are restricted to a single SDCA. While roaming in any form is not allowed, if offered, different numbers and difficult handset reconfiguration would be needed for other SDCAs. What’s more, your you can use the same GSM number even when you travel abroad, which is impossible with WLL.
The world talks on GSM
95% of the countries and 71% of the mobile users in the world use GSM, the tried and tested technology. WLL is used only in a few countries such as US & Korea, a relatively new and un-tested commercial technology.
A choice of handsets
Over 5000 mobile handsets support GSM with prices as low as Rs 2000. If you're using WLL, you have a choice of around 10 models to choose from, with prices starting at Rs 8000.
The flexibility of the SIM card
GSM technology is based on superior SIM card technology that offers the following benefits.
• Security and flexibility of a variety of services on the SIM card
• Ease of mobility to another handset or GSM service across the country
In WLL, the network is configured on the handset by the network operator and cannot be changed with ease.
The possibility of future applications
GSM is an open technology, which makes it the ideal developing ground for various applications on the mobile. CDMA, the technology on which WLL is based, is a proprietary technology with limited developers and applications.
Regulations
GSM has been operational in India since the last seven years, and in this period prices have only gone down; so unexpected price changes will not happen. The prices offered under WLL currently are promotional prices, an uncertain regulatory environment might result in a significant change in prices in the future.
