At the moment, the operator’s 3G network known as Sprint Power Vision reaches 150 million people in America. It is based on Qualcomm’s EVDO (Evolution Data Optimised) technology. However, it is also reportedly planning to upgrade the network to a second generation EVDO called EVDO Revision A, which will allow even greater download speeds for wireless broadband.
Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless, are already rolling out their 3G networks using EVDO, while market leader Cingular Wireless, is rolling out a 3G network based on a rival technology called HSDPA (High Speed Data Packet Access.)
Mobile operators in the US are hoping that 3G will increase ARPU figures, as users pay for the ability to download movies and music. Yet there has been little proven success of 3G worldwide. Hutchison Whampoa Ltd was one of the first operators to offer an international 3G video mobile network.
It did this under the 3 brand in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Sweden, and the UK. It is thought that Hutchison has spent as least $24bn over the past five years rolling out the network, but the operator has still to reap any credible returns on this investment.
Likewise, mobile giants such as Vodafone Group Plc, have spent vast sums purchasing 3G licenses and rolling out 3G services. Although Vodafone has reached it 3G target of 10 million 3G customers worldwide, consumer demand has not been particularly great.
