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Third Generation Mobile Networks Open New Vistas for Nigeria

Nigeria looks set for a significant leap in the tempo of economic activities as major mobile network operators just announced the commercial launch of third generation mobile networks. MTN Nigeria, the frontline GSM service provider, is clearly upbeat about its new 3.5G network, gleefully announcing that "the future is here". Tough-competing network, Globacom, is also much in the race, brandishing its 3G Plus network. Between them, opportunities for fast mobile data transfers and other benefits of the feature-rich 3G wireless network will hopefully be served the teeming Nigerian populace. With wireless broadband internet access, video streaming and other possibilities that now lie before Nigerians, a fresh fillip, reminiscent of the experience at the launch of GSM services in 2001, is bound to be experienced by the economy.

What 3G Offers
3G (third generation) mobile networks primarily offer considerable speed enhancement over the 2G or 2.5G networks. Driven by the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) software, 3G is able to provide data speed that is several times that of the 2G network. That quickly takes the capability beyond audio, graphics and text, enabling sharp video content transfers, video conferencing, games, fast internet downloads and other high-end user benefits. It is all a very major development and a quantum leap for Nigeria, considering where we've been. The real import of this development will possibly be realised when you consider that American AT&T is still rolling out 3G Wireless Broadband network in major cities in the USA. Its coverage only just got to Pittsburgh and adjoining areas within this quarter, for instance. So, for our market that hasn't generously enjoyed dial-up internet access, catapulting to 3G is huge. It's much like skipping to crawl and getting straight to running.

There is no doubt that these services will be embraced by the populace, just the way GSM phone services were snapped up. The operators obviously have no misgivings about the recovery of the licence cost and the investment outlay. Experience has shown the sharp appetite of Nigerians for smart communication tools. Recovering their investment and speedily too, is therefore not in any doubt. The key question now will be as to how individuals and businesses can key into this technology to drive performance and boost revenue. Put simply, what is the potential commercial value to a user?

Business Potentials of 3G Technology
The flexibility of high quality, fast speed wireless access has the potential to boost commerce and here are some areas of likely early impact:

• The mobile phones marketing sector is clearly an immediate beneficiary. It's easy to figure out that the larger proportion of mobile phones currently in use are not 3G compatible. To enjoy the product range that 3G avails, 3G-enabled phones will be required. The buying spree seems to be at the corner and you may just consider dashing to Dubai if you want a cut of the market. And don't forget, laptops will be in increased demand too, so include them in your shopping list.
• Fast, ready internet access could signal the gradual arrival of the internet economy. One report predicts online retail sales of $259 billion for 2007 for the US market. Simply imagine how it would benefit the Nigerian economy, should e-commerce be embraced. Having the basic tool - internet access - is definitely an important start. With the quiet revolution in ATM card subscriptions currently going on, the key ingredients seem to be falling into place.
• Video conferencing could change a lot of things about communication in business, especially considering the long trips across vast areas to attend corporate meetings that could be done in conference. Online seminars and educational deliveries all look good to benefit. Live video streaming and sharing would boost news reporting, especially given the sharp video capability of 3G networks. Data downloads put you in touch with the markets, even on the go, allowing you monitor investments or take positions.
• Increased velocity of business is a certain outcome of better, faster communication and information transfer. The business cost reduction impact of the internet is not yet obvious to many business people in our environment, which is why email marketing, for instance, still sounds obscure. With widened space as internet access grows, online marketing, with its benefits, will hopefully assume its position, to the benefit of the economy. Local technology development should also follow, especially with IT professionals who should find a stronger market for various applications that can be developed to ride the new platform.

All said, it's obviously a momentous development for the Nigerian economy. The potential impact would be even higher if complemented by power supply improvements. It's still good to have some positive developments to celebrate.

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