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Econet to introduce 3G service next year
The Herald (Zimbabwe)
December 27, 2006

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=13162&livedate=12/27/2006%2012:00:00%20AM&cat=8

UP-scale cellular telephone users are envisaged scramble for limited Third Generation (3G) service when it comes on stream next year.

Zimbabwe will become the third country in Africa to have the service after South Africa and Mauritius.

Business executives and professional are expected to snap most of the 50 000 lines that Econet Wireless has announced it would release during the initial phase.

The service would be available to subscribers with special 3G telephones, which are already on the local market.

"3G" stands for third generation mobile phones. The difference between 3G and 2G phones is the speed at which data is sent to and from a mobile device.

The new service can transmit graphics and videos at high speed. Information can also be downloaded speedily.

Japan leads the world in using 3G as 23 million people out of its population of 127 million are linked to the service, while Italy dominates the European market with four million people out of a population of 60 million subscribing to 3G.

Ericsson, Econet's suppliers, would bring the technology into the country.

Apart from making video calls, subscribers can watch television on their mobile telephones.

Telephones can be fitted with an alarm system for personal safety.

Security companies and fire departments can use 3G to monitor buildings and properties.

Patients would make less frequent visits to surgeries when doctors start using 3G phones in their work.

The deaf can use 3G to get services from interpreters.

Econet predicts that 3G will replace 2G nationwide in 10 years. — New Ziana.

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