Whyalla 3G link a global first for Australia
Announcement posted by Alcatel-Lucent 13 Aug 2002
Whyalla has become one of the first cities in the world to be connected to a third-generation mobile network capable of supporting the high-speed transmission of video and other media-rich services to the next generation of mobile phones.
m.Net Corporation has linked Whyalla, on South Australias Eyre Peninsula, to its Adelaide network as part of a development program designed to give Australia a global lead in the mobile broadband industry.
Federal Liberal MP Christopher Pyne, chair of the Federal Governments inquiry into wireless broadband technologies, and South Australian Regional Affairs Minister Terry Roberts launched the new network today (Monday, August 12).
Adelaide and Whyalla are the first cities in Australia, and among only a handful in the world, with the network infrastructure to support 3G mobile phones.
No larger than most conventional mobiles, 3G phones provide mobile access to the Internet and are equipped with larger screens and tiny video cameras. The phones enable people to see each other and access applications during a conversation.
Andrew Ekiert, m.Nets chief executive officer, said the launch of the Whyalla network marked the next phase of the corporations strategy to stimulate development of mobile broadband applications.
Whyalla was selected because it is a major industrial centre and an ideal test-bed for a wide range of 3G products and services that can benefit regional communities, Mr Ekiert said.
It forms a powerful link to the m.Net network in Adelaides central business district. The expanded network puts Australia in the box seat for the development of high-value applications for markets such as health, education, m-commerce and mobile video-conferencing.
The Whyalla network will initially be used for a six-month trial using mobile wireless technology to improve healthcare delivery.
Using hand-held computers linked to the 3G network, doctors involved in the trial will have anywhere, anytime access to patients medical records.
The m.Net project is part of the Federal Governments Advanced Networks Program, and is also supported by the South Australian Government and industry.
m.Net consortium member Telstra has provided the spectrum and access to terrestrial networks and facilities, while another member, Alcatel, has supplied the 3G infrastructure.
m.Net Corporation has linked Whyalla, on South Australias Eyre Peninsula, to its Adelaide network as part of a development program designed to give Australia a global lead in the mobile broadband industry.
Federal Liberal MP Christopher Pyne, chair of the Federal Governments inquiry into wireless broadband technologies, and South Australian Regional Affairs Minister Terry Roberts launched the new network today (Monday, August 12).
Adelaide and Whyalla are the first cities in Australia, and among only a handful in the world, with the network infrastructure to support 3G mobile phones.
No larger than most conventional mobiles, 3G phones provide mobile access to the Internet and are equipped with larger screens and tiny video cameras. The phones enable people to see each other and access applications during a conversation.
Andrew Ekiert, m.Nets chief executive officer, said the launch of the Whyalla network marked the next phase of the corporations strategy to stimulate development of mobile broadband applications.
Whyalla was selected because it is a major industrial centre and an ideal test-bed for a wide range of 3G products and services that can benefit regional communities, Mr Ekiert said.
It forms a powerful link to the m.Net network in Adelaides central business district. The expanded network puts Australia in the box seat for the development of high-value applications for markets such as health, education, m-commerce and mobile video-conferencing.
The Whyalla network will initially be used for a six-month trial using mobile wireless technology to improve healthcare delivery.
Using hand-held computers linked to the 3G network, doctors involved in the trial will have anywhere, anytime access to patients medical records.
The m.Net project is part of the Federal Governments Advanced Networks Program, and is also supported by the South Australian Government and industry.
m.Net consortium member Telstra has provided the spectrum and access to terrestrial networks and facilities, while another member, Alcatel, has supplied the 3G infrastructure.