Along with the rise of mobile broadband have come various terms that have become commonplace. Among the famous technologies are WiMAX, HSDPA, Wi-Fi and WiBro. While the names may be seen often, quite a few people won’t know what they really stand for.

That’s the case with HSDPA right now. Everyone has heard of it but no one really knows what it does.

Basically, HSDPA is an upgrade to UMTS 3G networks (the type Malaysia and Singapore has deployed) It’s part of a new release called UMTS Rel’5. Think of it as a faster 3G version which is what it really is but only on the downlink portion. One of the key features defined in UMTS Rel’5 is High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which offers significantly higher data capacity and data-user speeds on the downlink compared to R’99 UMTS. If that’s still difficult to grasp, just think of it as 3.5G.

This latest release promises to boost downlink speeds from the current end-user rate of typically 384 kbps (theoretically up to 2 Mbps) to a range of around 2 to 3 Mbps (theoretically to 14.4 Mbps). Also, at least twice as many people can be supported on HSDPA networks compared to the earlier 3G networks. Operators are deploying HSDPA so that more users will be enticed to hop onto the 3G bandwagon by its higher data speeds.

The drawback is that users will need to change handsets too. Existing 3G handsets cannot run HSDPA. New handsets that are specifically HSDPA enabled will have to be purchased before users can enjoy the high speeds promised by HSDPA networks. 

HSDPA is currently available in 39 countries, on 64 networks. 121 more networks have committed to upgrade to HSDPA in 55 countries. There were 40 live HSDPA services worldwide in October 2006, less than a year after Cingular Wireless launched the first service in December 2005. In addition, SK Telecom introduced the first HSDPA handset in May 2006 and more than ten HSDPA services worldwide now offer handsets. The launch of handsets is a sure sign that operators are convinced that HSDPA will help boost consumer as well as enterprise revenue.

In Singapore, MobileOne, through its joint agreement with Vodafone, offers HSDPA based “portable broadband” connecting laptops via a pager sized modem as well as enabled handsets - to M1’s network. The Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem allows computers to be easily connected to M1’s new HSDPA network to access the web or e-mail at broadband speeds of up to 3.6Mbps. To increase the uptake of HSDPA, MobileOne has also invited several bloggers to use Samsung DH500 that supports HSDPA for one month for free on condition that these bloggers reviews the phone and use of HSDPA network on their blogs.

Meanwhile, closer to home Maxis Communications Bhd and Celcom have both launched HSDPA services. Maxis is also delivering broadband Internet access to residential customers in Kuala Lumpur through a specially designed low-cost HSDPA modem.

According to the Future Mobile Broadband report by Informa Telecoms & Media, the top two regions for HSDPA subscribers through 2011 will be Western Europe followed by Asia-Pacific, with North America a distant third.

There are not many handsets in the market today that supports HSDPA and adoption remains low. People have been reluctant to spend more money for a technology that’s not fully launched yet. Handsets that do support HSDPA include Nokia N95 that will be released in Quarter 1, 2007, LG TU500 and U830, Samsung A707, ZX20 and Z560 and Motorola RAZR MAXX and RAZR V3xx.

Meanwhile, there are laptops brands that will have or have integrated HSDPA chips are Acer, Dell, HTC, HP, Intel, Lenovo and Panasonic. There are also HSDPA cards available for the current notebooks without integrated HSDPA. Telcos are hoping that when HSDPA is deployed widely, users will be persuaded to move over from WiFi hospots to ubiquitous HSDPA coverage.
The picture is still a bit murky because there are other 3G network upgrades planned further down the road. One planned upgrade, for instance, will improve uplink speeds. But again, new handsets will be required.

Then there are the other terms I mentioned at the start. Technologies like Wimax, Wibro and others will appear soon too.
Still, if you have been planning to get a 3G handset, it’s worth making sure that it’s HSDPA enabled.

Emily is quite happy to be working in wireless-friendly Singapore. Contact her at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it