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Mobile Wireless Communication

by Sam Coley and Oliver Carter

Taken from the forthcoming book Broadcasting in Developing Countries for

UNESCO.

Our second area of development concerns those technologies associated with mobile
wireless communication. The best know is the mobile cellular phone. Currently,
there are two billion cellular phone users worldwide and this is increasing by one
million each day, with the highest adoption rate being in developing countries 1. The
fastest growth is occurring in Africa 2. The others are those used in connectivity
systems and broadband wireless applications.

Although expansion in the use of wireless communication outside over-the-air

broadcasting is a relatively recent phenomenon, the technology of cellular phones has
been well established for nearly thirty years. Initially, the services that used these
technologies reproduced traditional wire-based telephony. What is important about
this technology, however, is that it offers far more than the making and receiving of
phone calls wherever one may be.

The term cellular refers to the organisation of transmitters and receivers that give
access to a telephony network made up of wired and wireless connections. A
geographical area is divided into a series of interconnected cells, each with its own
low power transmitter and receiver. Each cell provides robust signal coverage to
enable phone handsets to access the larger network. A handset can receive and send
signals only via the local cellular mast; broad geographic coverage is enabled by
passing access signals from cell to cell.

Some of the services provided by cell handsets utilise the cellular structure, while
others are built into the technology of the handsets themselves. In the first category
are the Short Message Service (SMS, also known as text messaging) and internet
access. In the second are FM radio receivers, cameras, MP3 players, personal
organisers, and games.

As access to cellular systems, and therefore cellular telephony, is available to more

people, the traditional broadcaster is offered numerous new possibilities for
communication. At the moment, new cellular systems with greater bandwidth, which
allow more information to be transmitted simultaneously, will allow other forms of
digital media, including moving pictures, to be sent from place to place. Similar
developments can be found in applications using Wireless Application Protocol
(WAP), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Bluetooth, 3G, Wi-Fi and WiMax
standards and technologies.

For users of cellular handsets, and devices which use the other wireless protocols, the
most important quality of the technology is that it allows the owner greater freedom to

1
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1005437.cms
2
http://www.informatm.com/itmgcontent/icoms/s/sectors/mobile-
markets/20017327897.html
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work at a distance, or even to roam freely, while remaining connected to the network.
However, for broadcasters, cellular systems have an even more significant quality in
that they reduce frequency scarcity. This is achieved by restricting frequency use to a
smaller geographic area than, for instance, over-the-air local radio. This means the
frequency can be used again, for a different transmission, in a different geographic
area, but with a much closer proximity than would be possible with over-the-air local
radio. While the implications of the other wireless systems are not as profound, they
provide opportunities for broadcasters and consumers alike.

Cellular networks, therefore, present us with different avenues for communication and
broadcasting. This section looks at the possibilities of these technologies for
broadcasting. We divide these possibilities into the following three areas:

• Cellular communication systems

• Connectivity systems

• Broadband wireless technologies

Each section will provide a definition of the specific technology, discuss its
implications for broadcasting or distributing programmes, and finally explore the
ways that broadcasters in different developing countries might use this technology.
Key terms and acronyms have been highlighted. Links to relevant books, documents
and websites that provide further information can be found at the end of the chapter.

Cellular connection systems

This section discusses the basic principles of cellular connection systems. It should
be noted that, although there are different connection systems used around the world,
the most common and widespread system is GSM, which is discussed here in depth.
Also included is information on the popular cellular communication tool SMS, a key
feature that is related to GSM.

What is the technology, what does it do?

The initial idea of a cellular architecture for communication was first outlined in 1947
by D.H. Ring. He attempted to solve the problem of frequency scarcity in wireless
transmission systems by changing the way in which the signals were distributed.
Rather than a single large transmitter that broadcast signals over a wide area, Ring’s
innovation was to arrange low powered transceivers so that a signal sent by the
broadcaster could be passed from one transceiver to another, like baton in a relay race,
until it reached its destination.

The cellular phone is the ideal example of the use of cellular connection systems and
is of great importance when discussing the implications this technology has for
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broadcasting, especially in developing parts of the world. There have been numerous
attempts to introduce a mobile phone, most famously through the car phone, but it
was not until March 1977 that an American company introduced the first cellular
network system in Chicago, USA. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
had been fully aware of the limitations of the radio spectrum for mobile telephony
but, by using Ring’s Cellular idea, they able to make full use of the spectrum to
accommodate mobile phone usage. Though America took the lead in terms of
introducing the cellular network, there were problems which hindered its adoption,
resulting mainly from the sheer size of America, the implementation of the necessary
technology in the differing states, and the debate over who would control the
technology. However, similar problems were not encountered in Europe or Japan,
where the cellular phone became a steady success.

GSM

The success of the cellular phone in Europe can be attributed to the use of the Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM). This was introduced as a digital cellular
phone system that would allow cellular communication for the European Union, not
just a sole country. GSM is an open-standard, similar in ways to open source software
such as Linux, as uses of the system can be developed by anyone with the necessary
technical know-how. One of its most important features is that it allows for roaming,
meaning that handsets can be used in different countries providing that the country
also uses GSM. It also offers higher quality voice communication and alternatives to
voice communication, such as SMS.

According to the GSM association3, GSM currently covers 80% of the world’s
population and has over 1.5 billion users in countries such as Europe, Russia, Africa
and the Middle East The United States, Asia and South America use CDMAone, a
rival format to GSM that does not have the same coverage, and does not allow cellular
phone users to roam. Both CDMAone and GSM are known as second generation
(2G) wireless technology, as their networks will not allow the transmission of data,
only voice.

What has also made the cellular phone popular is the design of the handset. Earlier
handsets became known as ‘bricks’because of their large appearance and weight.
Advances in technology and design made cellular handsets smaller, the most popular
handset being the Nokia 3210 which was released in 1999.The design became
recognised worldwide, and served as the blueprint for phones from other companies
as it was small, light weight and attractive. It had features such as games, an
organiser and an alarm clock, due to it having a microprocessor. Today, the features
offered by the cellular phone are increasing with the release of each new handset, and
they seem to be limited only by the imaginations of the designers and their
motivations. Cellular phone handsets are becoming more like small personal
computers, and the act of making phone calls has become almost a secondary use.
This is illustrated, for example, by the popularity of SMS.

3
http://www.gsmworld.com/index.shtml
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The Short Message Service enables the sending of short, text-based messages to other
cellular phone users over GSM networks. This practice is relatively cheap when
compared to the cost of making a phone call, making SMS an immensely popular
feature of the cellular phone. While it emerged as a craze, particularly amongst young
cellular phone users, it is now a widely-used communication tool. Over 100 million
SMS text messages are sent per day in the United Kingdom alone4. The Philippines is
known as the “text capital of world”, where more people own cellular phones than
landlines. In 2000/2001, SMS was used as a political tool for Filipinos, enabling
them to show their anger toward President Estrada. Constant SMS messages were
circulated –over 100 million per day –alerting people to the corruption surrounding
their leader. This radical form of protest eventually lead to Estrada’s loss of the
presidency in early 2001.

What are the implications of cellular systems?

The implications of cellular systems can be understood in terms of their three primary
qualities: improving frequency availability, access at different points and, more
recently, greater capacity. The immediate benefit has been in the realm of telephony.
Cellular systems have enabled more economic and flexible uses of the scarce
available resources. It is becoming ever easier and cheaper to make a phone call, and
as the cell system extends and more people join, costs are usually pushed down
further. Being able to call other people from anywhere within the network has
transformed the way people use the telephone. GSM standards mean that we can now
also take our phones to other countries and use them on other networks.

There have been downsides, of course. Projections of cell phone handsets suggest that
there will soon be more wireless cellular subscribers than there are fixed telephones.
But as more people buy new phones, more handsets are discarded. Today there are
hundreds of millions of old cellular phones currently unused across the world. In the
United States alone, over 130 million functional cellular phones are retired each year.
This problem poses a major ecological threat, as many cellular phones, especially the
earlier models, contain dangerous chemicals such as nickel, mercury, gallium arsenide
and cadmium. These chemicals have the potential to leach into the ground and poison
water supplies if not properly disposed of. Small amounts of valuable materials such
as copper, platinum, gold and silver are also found in cellular phones.

The “Foneback”organisation runs a scheme that places repaired and refurbished

phones back into circulation by redistributing them to developing countries around the
world. Other companies take unused phones and sell them in bulk to refurbishing
companies, who then resell the handsets to developing markets such as Africa and
Latin America.

SMS messaging allows listeners to communicate directly with a radio station. These
messages can be sent to a radio presenter to make a special dedication, request a song
or even to win a prize. Votes are often taken from listeners using SMS messages sent
from their cellular phones. The outcome of these votes can help decide what song gets

4
http://www.text.it/
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played next on a station. Some radio stations also create extra revenue for themselves
and their advertising clients by charging their listeners to contribute a message or to
enter a competition using SMS.

SMS is also used by radio stations as a reminder service. Listeners can register to an
on-line messaging system which sends an SMS message to their phone when the
show they want to hear is about to start. The BBC does this by offering a free SMS
service that sends a text message to the users handset about one hour before a radio
show is about to start.

The main limitation of SMS is that it only allows simple data retrieval. It does not
provide true interactivity between the mobile user and the Internet. However, some
broadcasting companies use SMS to send their listeners internet links. These links can
take users directly to new on-line content of particular interest.

There are even more substantial implications when we move beyond thinking about
cellular systems simply as telephone systems. At heart, what is important is that the
cell architecture offers an alternative distribution system to traditional over-the-air
broadcasting, and a link to other forms of network distribution; the most significant
being the Internet.

Lodged in the centre of this observation is the possibility to use cellular systems to
offer far more radio and television stations, and for the sorts of information accessed
on the Internet to be also distributed on cellular networks. We could all become
broadcasters as well as broadcast consumers. Carefully targeted niche forms could be
developed and distributed accurately to consumers wherever they go.

However, the infrastructure of a cellular telephony system is enormously costly, and

in almost all cases is owned by profit-maximising corporations. Users of the system
will, therefore, not own their means of distribution. This is a barrier to the democratic
application of the potential we have described. As we will see, this is also the case
with the Internet. However, while the Internet is not controlled by one interested
body, and so the costs of use tend to be limited to buying computer equipment and
gaining access, cellular systems are entirely owned by single companies, who charge
on a metered basis. For phone calls, we may be willing to pay the extra cost for
convenience and, in countries with no history of wired systems beyond the cities, such
systems may enable communication at a cheaper rate than wired systems. On the
other hand, people or organisations (such as existing broadcasters or new entrants)
who wished to use cellular networks to send other forms of communication are likely
to be charged a premium.

Where the networks are owned by profit-maximising companies, communication

forms beyond sound, short text messages and access to the Internet are most likely to
be charged for at very high rates, both for senders and receivers. When over-the-air
broadcasting is relatively cheap, cellular systems are unlikely to challenge more
traditional forms of broadcasting.
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How could broadcasters in different developing countries use the

technology?

One of the real benefits of GSM technology for broadcasters has been on the
production side. Journalists or programme makers can stay in constant contact with
their studios. The wide coverage of GSM means that live reports can be phoned in
from remote locations across the world. Another advantage of GSM is its ability to be
upgraded. Computer “chips”containing new functions can be easily installed into a
GSM handset. One of these chip functions allows the phone to receive a standard FM
radio signal. This gives broadcasters the ability to easily monitor a station’s output
while they are away from the radio studio, without having to carry both a phone and a
radio.

The main limitation of SMS is that it only allows simple data retrieval. It does not
provide true interactivity between the mobile user and the Internet. However, some
broadcasting companies use SMS to send their listeners internet links. These links can
take users directly to new on-line content of particular interest.

How can broadcasters find out more?

http://www.gsmworld.com provides further details on the capability of the GSM

network and its availability in differing countries around the world.

Agar, Jon (2003) Constant Touch: a global history of the mobile phone. Icon:
Cambridge.

Though very basic, this is an excellent introduction to the history of the cellular
phone. It discusses its conception, adoption right through to current developments
such as 3G.

http://www.visualradio.com/

Offers detailed information on the Visual Radio technology discussed in this

section.Ling, Richard C (2004) The Mobile Connection: The Cell Phone's Impact on
Society

This book is more academic in tone but provides useful background on the impact that
the cellular phone has had on society.

http://www.text.it/

This website offers facts and figures, emphasising the popularity and uses of SMS.
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Connectivity systems

The word ‘connect’and its variants are in common use in today’s society. Being
‘connected’carries the association that you have access to a particular technology. In
simple terms, a connectivity system can be seen as the transfer of data between two
end points. Early connectivity systems were traditionally wired, the user being
restricted in movement, but the systems are now more often wireless.

Building on technological developments, it is now possible to connect to the Internet,

television, radio and numerous other technologies via a cellular phone, or other
handset device. In this section the following three key areas of connectivity systems
will be investigated:

• Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

• General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

• Bluetooth

What are the connectivity technologies, what do they do?

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

With the cellular phone boom occurring at the same time as the rise of the Internet. it
became apparent that the two technologies would eventually be combined. WAP is
an abbreviation for Wireless Application Protocol. It was designed to provide internet
access to mobile devices such as cellular phones and PDAs (Personal Digital
Assistants). It presents the cellular phone user with the ability to transfer data as well
as voice over a cellular network. This allows the user to check e-mail or find out the
latest news, while travelling or otherwise away from traditional wired internet access.
Obviously, the screen on a cellular phone is a different size to that of a computer
screen and would not be able to handle the considerable amount of data contained in a
website. The wireless application protocol presents the user with the equivalent of a
web browser that enables simple navigation, ease of access and a specific transfer
speed. Access to the network is achieved by dialling a specific telephone number.
There are many limitations, the most obvious being that it is mainly a text-based
experience and can be very slow when compared to the internet access offered by
personal computers. Since the Internet was already popular and well received, it
would come as no surprise that initial users would relate WAP access to personal
computer access. WAP initially left many users wanting, and for many became a
frustrating and unappealing experience that could also be quite costly. But despite
these initial problems, WAP still provides wireless access to the World Wide Web
and will let the user download small files to cellular phone handsets such as music
and ringtones. It is also useful for accessing text based information such as news and
weather updates. Major websites such as Google and Amazon offer WAP
equivalents, specifically catered for cellular users.
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Though WAP has not been as popular in Europe or the United States as was intended,
the Japanese equivalent of WAP (i-mode) has become a huge success. This has led to
Japanese cellular phone handsets resembling PDAs or computers rather than phones.
The development of GPRS has provided the WAP user with faster transfer speeds and
an improved web experience, as will be seen in the following section. This has also
led to the combining of WAP and SMS, creating MMS (Multimedia Messaging
Service. This gives the user the ability to send images, music and video alongside
text in a message over the GPRS network to other GPRS enabled phones. MMS has
become widely accepted, meaning that WAP technology is currently on an upswing
and may not be as unusable as cellular phone users had initially been led to believe.
Current advances in WAP technology have led to the development of WAP 2.0. It is
hoped that WAP 2.0 will provide the cellular phone user with true access to the World
Wide Web and offer a better online experience that is more akin to that offered by a
personal computer, something that original WAP technology could not provide.

GPRS

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) enables the transfer of data over the GSM
cellular network. It is sometimes referred to 2.5G because it is placed between the
second and third generations of cellular telephony. These are often referred to by the
acronyms 2G (GSM) and 3G (the first generation, 1G, being analogue wired
telephones).

Initially, the GSM network would only allow the transfer of voice over a cellular
network. This was due to poor transfer speeds that were not able to handle anything
more than voice communication and short text messages (SMS). GPRS is provided
by cellular service providers and employs unused channels in the GSM network. It
allows for a faster transfer of data than that offered by second generation telephony
(2G). Depending on the modernity of the device and numerous other network factors,
GPRS can reach speeds that are close to those of a dial-up computer modem, usually
around 40kbs, though it has the potential to reach speeds three times faster than this.
GPRS has enabled improved access to the Internet through the Wireless Application
Protocol (WAP), due to the faster transfer of data that it allows. It should be noted
that GPRS access can be dependent on the cellular phone handset used, as many older
models do not support GPRS.

As the majority of service providers charge the user for access, GPRS is often
expensive for cellular phone users. However, a number of cellular service providers,
offer free GPRS as part of their monthly subscription, while other companies may
charge a fixed fee or offer limited usage. Unlike traditional internet services, the
billing is most often based on the amount of data transferred rather than the amount of
time used when accessing the network. An important feature of GPRS that is
currently becoming increasingly popular is that it can provide internet access not just
to cellular phones but also to laptop or notebook computer users, as a cellular phone
can be used as a modem when connected to a laptop computer via a wire or
Bluetooth. Alternatively, a GPRS data-card can be purchased and connected to the
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computer instead. This can offer ‘always on’internet access to those that do not have
a telephone connection. Data-cards are becoming increasingly popular and are
offered by many cellular service providers, with the remainder beginning to follow
suit. GPRS has changed the face of traditional cellular communication, offering more
than just the transfer of voice and presenting the cellular phone user with the
foundations of a multimedia experience through their handset.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless connection technology that allows devices to communicate

with each other within a limited space. The technology was invented by Ericsson, a
company well known for producing cellular phones, and was seen as a connectivity
solution which would dispense with the clutter of wires. However, it is not just about
reducing the mess of modern technology, as it can unite a wealth of differing media,
such as cellular phones, personal computers and entertainment systems. ...And in
case you were wondering its Danish creators christened Bluetooth after the tenth
century Danish king Harald Bluetooth.

In some ways Bluetooth is similar to the infra-red technologies used for remote
controls. It solves many of the problems of this connection technology. Infra-red
cannot pass through walls and has to be directly aimed at the device it is
communicating with. Another drawback of infra-red is that it can only be used to
communicate with a single device, as can be seen in the example of a remote control.
Bluetooth rectifies many of these problems, and although it does have a limited range
(usually between 1 and 100 metres, depending on the power class of the device), there
is never any interference. So a cellular phone could transmit a signal to a Bluetooth
headset while also sending information to a personal computer. Another benefit of
Bluetooth is that it requires very little power, so it can communicate with up to eight
different devices without placing a particular strain on the host device’s battery.

The first and most common use for Bluetooth is with cellular phones. A cellular
phone equipped with Bluetooth can communicate with other cell phones and transfer
data files (MP3, photos, ringtones, video files, etc.) to other handsets. Bluetooth
headsets can be connected to cellular phones so that users can have hands free
communication, which is especially useful when driving. Personal computers are
incorporating Bluetooth technology: keyboards, mice, speakers and numerous other
peripherals are now Bluetooth-enabled. Bluetooth is still a relatively new technology,
and its potential is still being realised, but it presents new options for wireless
communication. It is expected that many devices, ranging from household items to
entertainment centres, will adopt Bluetooth technology.

What are the implications of connectivity technologies?

WAP was presented as a huge step forward for cellular phone technology. It created
an interactive interface between a cellular phone user and the internet. Only a few
radio companies seriously adopted WAP technology, as it could be unreliable and was
of poor sound quality. However, it does have advantages over streaming video. Since
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a radio signal takes up far less bandwidth than a video signal, it is far easier to stream
and store audio on a WAP enabled phone.

Some radio stations initially started to broadcast their existing output directly to
cellular phones via WAP technology. Independent audio production companies joined
them by creating entertainment networks that provide exclusive audio to paying
cellular phone users. These were not just limited to traditional music channels.
Spoken content included comedy performances and books read by actors. Some
innovative drama shows made creative use of WAP’s interactivity. Listeners could
send in their opinions on plotlines, which helped to choose the fate of leading
characters. Although there were many broadcasting initiatives that made good use of
WAP technology, they faced competition from other emerging forms of digital
broadcasting like DAB and satellite radio. So far, the poor audio quality of WAP’s
signal and the relatively high cost of listening via a cellular phone has prevented it
from becoming a popular form of radio.

Although WAP was crucial in the development of cellular phone technology, it has
very limited capabilities compared to new 3G and GPRS systems. The audio quality
of a WAP broadcast is very poor. In fact, it carries less information than a standard
domestic phone line. Customers have several different charging models for WAP
audio content. They can choose to pay per minute, or per-feature, or by an ongoing
subscription fee for standard services. However, many people are reluctant to pay for
WAP audio when there is so much radio content available for free.

New 3G and GPRS technology has effectively taken over from the original
incarnation of WAP by allowing listeners to enjoy high fidelity audio, reliably and at
a lower cost. The success of the latest WAP 2.0 technology still remains to be seen.

Bluetooth wireless technology has many practical applications as a broadcasting tool.

Although it normally has only short-range capabilities, when it is connected to a
cellular phone it becomes a considerably more powerful system. Users can access
exclusive online radio content through the interface provided by their 3G cellular
phone. This signal is received via a cellular handset and is then sent as a Bluetooth
signal to a Bluetooth-enabled stereo system.

iRadio from the Motorola company is a new initiative that takes full advantage of
Bluetooth technology It gives its listeners incredible choice by combining the
convenience of Bluetooth with high-speed internet service and the latest advances in
3G cellular phones. Subscribers download software to their PC through a standard
broadband connection. This allows them to access the iRadio catalogue which
contains hundreds of commercial-free stations. The user then connects their iRadio-
enabled phone to their PC with a USB cable, and transfers their pre-selected channels.
Once the USB cable is disconnected, the user is free to listen to their personal music
selection through headphones plugged into their cellular phone.

iRadio is also able to be heard through a home stereo with a wireless Bluetooth
adapter. However, its most impressive feature is that it can be connected wirelessly to
the sound system of most modern cars. The cellular handset becomes the receiver and
control unit but the audio is played out of the speakers in the car. This is a very
efficient way to listen to streaming audio in a vehicle, as iRadio content is “cached”
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on the phone. This means the receiver builds up a buffer of audio information which
allows it to handle a loss of signal without losing the listener’s connection when, for
example, the listener is passing through a tunnel or travelling on underground
transport.

Although this is a relatively new system, the variety of choice and the ease of use that
comes with Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones has proven to be very popular. The
iRadio system has already won awards for its innovation and many other companies
look set to follow its example by launching their own, similar services. The ability to
have personally chosen audio programmes, which follow the listener from their home
to their car and beyond, will ensure the growing popularity of Bluetooth wireless
broadcasting.

How could broadcasters in different developing countries use the

technology?

Although WAP is seen as an “old”system, it is still considered to be a valuable bridge

between 2G and 3G technology. Until 3G is fully implemented in developing
countries, WAP can be viewed as an essential intermediary step. WAP technology
enables broadcasters to gain instant access to the latest scientific information and
provides updates on important news stories as they unfold. Radio presenters can use
WAP to gather accurate weather reports from the internet which could potentially
save lives in times of disaster.

In June 2000, The Congo was one of Africa’s first countries to have WAP technology
introduced. Although it is one of the world’s poorest countries, The Congo was quick
to realise the benefits of the system, and now has thousands of WAP subscribers. One
of the most popular uses for WAP technology in The Congo has been the ability to
gain access to local news, travel schedules, exchange rates and various overseas
websites.

Although WAP offers many benefits over first generation cellular systems, it is hard
to see how it can remain relevant when compared to advanced new technologies.
Many successful radio stations distribute their existing programs using several
different media, such as online-streaming, DAB, AM/FM/SW, podcasts, satellite, etc.
This allows each station to reach the maximum audience possible. By investing in
new forms of audio distribution, broadcasting companies ensure they are ready to
capitalise on technological advancements or sudden bursts of popularity in a new
system. GPRS is just one of the many ways that innovative radio companies have
been transmitting new material, as well as existing station output, to the public.

The GPRS system allows a station to broadcast a live or pre-recorded radio show
directly to a listener’s handset through a cellular phone network. Instead of sending
the signal via a standard AM/FM transmission, the same audio is sent using a cellular
signal. Traditional radio stations have always been limited by the power of their
transmitter and the range this allows them to cover. Short Wave radio has the capacity
to travel over very long distances, but the quality of this signal is generally not very
high. Most medium powered AM/FM radio transmitters can only be heard within a
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limited area (although these signals can link together across large distances by
relaying a signal from one transmitter to the next). A radio station transmitting a
GPRS signal has the opportunity to reach a much wider area than if it was using a
regular AM/FM signal. Because GPRS networks are available in countries across the
world, everyone with a GPRS enhanced cell phone can be considered a potential
listener.

To put it simply, GPRS broadcasting allows people to listen to a radio show using
their cellular phone instead of a transistor radio. It is akin to receiving a normal phone
call, but the listener is actually receiving a “phone call”from their favorite radio
station. People can choose to listen to their handset with personal headphones or
through a speaker built into the phone. However, these speakers are often small and of
poor quality. Some new cellular handsets have the capability to send a wireless signal
from the phone to the owner’s cordless headphones.

GPRS has a distinct advantage over older methods of cellular data transfer. Because
its signal is “always on”, there is considerably less “dropout”(gaps of silence in the
transmission resulting from momentary audio signal loss). With GSM data, a short
drop in the radio signal could cause a complete loss of connection if the user was
passing by a large building, or driving through a tunnel. for example,. The user would
then lose the signal completely and be forced to log back onto a data network to
transmit the data all over again. This can be very frustrating, inefficient and expensive
for the listener. However, GPRS can cope with the loss of a radio signals for long
periods of time. So even if there is a short loss of signal, the listener can still enjoy a
continuous flow of audio. There is no break in the transmission or distortion due to a
loss of signal. GPRS technology provides relatively fast speeds of data transfer. This
gives the listener a clear, strong signal. In fact, many GPRS devices can operate at
over 40 kbits per second, which is much faster than conventional GSM handsets.

Many mobile phone companies are teaming up with established radio stations to offer
their customers exclusive GPRS music services direct to their cellular phone. These
“music-to-mobile”services add extra value that can often help to secure new
business. Existing radio stations are not the only audio providers to broadcast using
GPRS. Many companies are creating original audio content designed exclusively for
cellular handsets. “On Demand”services allow owners to gain direct access to
millions of songs from their GPRS enabled cell phone. This means the user does not
need to actually store the songs in the phone handset. They simply listen to each
individual song as a GPRS signal from a main database any time they want to hear it.
In this respect, they would not actually “own”the recording but would pay a small
amount per listen. Some cellular broadcast companies offer listeners the chance to
hear exclusive concerts or performances. This is provided as a streaming service from
anywhere in the world directly to the user’s cellular phone.

Although these services sound impressive, listening to a GPRS radio station is not as
simple as answering a phone call. The cell phone owner is often required to access the
internet in order to download a small electronic application. This information will
allow the phone to receive the broadcast regardless of the owner’s location, as long as
they can receive the appropriate cellular signal. Although GPRS is a very advanced
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and useful system, it is already becoming outdated. As new 3G and 4G services

continue to increase in both speed and the volume of data they can carry, the
performance of traditional GPRS systems will seem less impressive. Eventually, it
may become an obsolete mode of data transfer.

Where there is no 3G cellular coverage, GPRS provides a very useful substitute.

Although there are many advantages to broadcasting with GPRS technology, it will be
difficult for any cellular systems to quickly overtake the penetration and popularity of
traditional radio broadcasts in developing countries. GPRS can be used to access non-
copyright radio features, which can be downloaded and then broadcast at a later date
on another station. Pioneering radio initiatives can be easily duplicated for GPRS
broadcasts and listeners have the advantage of being able to access these programs at
a time that is most convenient to them. Broadcasters can gather and then share
information about important governmental and local elections. Specialist shows can
also alert listeners to potential emergencies and act as an effective disaster warning
service.

In many developing countries there are more cellular phones than there are
computers. In time, the majority of these handsets will be GPRS enabled, therefore
offering millions of people the ability to access the internet for the first time. In
Africa, it is estimated that there is just one landline for every 33 people. The advent of
cellular phones has given millions of Africans the opportunity to skip a technological
generation. However, it should be remembered that there are many problems
associated with the installation of cellular transmitters in developing nations. It is
often hard to find a reliable source of energy and the equipment is often difficult to
maintain because of remote and dangerous terrain. Rural lines can often cost five
times as much as those in urban areas, due to long distances and the limited amount of
users in smaller regions. Governments often consider cellular phones and computers
to be “luxury items”and they are therefore subject to high taxation. This can often
make them very expensive and beyond the reach of most ordinary citizens.

With Bluetooth technology a broadcaster can record a spoken contribution to a

programme directly into the handset of their cellular phone using the voice recorder
option. This can then be sent as a digital file directly to a computer’s hard-drive,
providing the handset is within the short range of a Bluetooth signal. This file could
then be uploaded into the playlist of an automated radio station for instant broadcast.
A Bluetooth-enabled cellular phone can quickly send an audio file to another
Bluetooth phone that is within range. By using this form of distribution, new
information and audio packages can be shared like a “virus”, and spread from one
user to the next. This technique allows data to be spread over vast distances without
the need for a transmitter.

How can broadcasters find out more?

http://www.gsmworld.com/technology/gprs/index.shtml

The highly detailed GSM World site has a section dedicated to GPRS and offers in-
depth, technical details on the technology and its usage.
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http://www.bluetooth.com/bluetooth/

The official Bluetooth website offers further information on its current uses and
developments.

http://broadband.motorola.com/iradio/howitworks.html

Further detail on iRadio can be found above on the official Motorola website.

High bandwidth wireless technologies

Much like the word mobile, broadband has been a common buzzword since the late
1990s. Broadband is commonly associated with internet access, providing speeds
more than ten times faster than those offered by dial-up Internet access. A broadband
internet connection provides the user with a much more efficient web experience,
allowing a faster transfer of data. This means that web pages usually download
almost instantaneously, rather than the user having to wait for them to appear, and
files, such as MP3s, videos and images, can be downloaded in less time than would
previously have been possible. We use the term broadband here to refer to high
bandwidth technologies. Although many people do not realise it, broadband access is
not just available to wired personal computers; it can also be accessed by wireless
devices. This is an ongoing development that presents a number of opportunities for
broadcasting and communication. The three key areas offered by high bandwidth
wireless technologies are:

• 3G

• Wi-Fi

• WiMax

Although these are relatively new technologies, they give cellular telephony an added
dimension, taking a much bigger step than that offered by GSM and GPRS. Cellular
phone users now have the ability to access a range of multimedia applications via
their cellular phones.

What are the broadband wireless technologies, what do they do?

3G

3G is the third generation of cellular telephony. It is also known as G3, but is more
commonly referred to as 3G. It improves on the previous, limited generations by
offering an increased transfer of data, with speeds of 2 megabytes a second (more
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than 30 times faster than GSM). 3G can be seen as the true combination of the
Internet and mobile telephony, providing a more interactive experience than that of
GSM and GPRS. This presents a whole wealth of options to the 3G user, such as:

• Video conferencing –Providing the user is contacting someone who also uses
the 3G network, they make and receive video calls;

• GPS –The Global Positioning System, GPS, provides satellite navigation,

giving live directions to a particular address or location;

• Downloading –This has become the most marketed feature of 3G. The user is
able to download video clips to their handset as well as music and images;

• Television –Users in Korea already have access to television programmes

through 3G. This service is being implemented in other countries around the
world.

Upgrading to 3G systems, which involves updating cellular networks around the

world, began in 1999 and is expected to be finished in 2010. In countries where 3G
has been introduced it has been adopted quite quickly. Japan was the first country to
use the 3G network in 2001 and it is estimated that, by the end of 2006, over half of
Japan’s cellular phone users will be using the 3G network5. Japanese handset
manufacturers are now ceasing to produce 2G models. The most popular use of 3G in
Japan has been the downloading of music, not video. Vodacom, the main cellular
provider in Africa, expect over 10% of their customers will be subscribed to their 3G
network by 2007 6. Not all cellular service providers currently offer 3G –though this
is changing –and some providers have greater coverage than others. The main
marketing feature of 3G has been video, and particularly the ability to watch
television on a cellular handset. British cellular service provider Vodafone have
joined forces with British digital satellite broadcasters to introduce ‘Mobile TV’in
November 20067, though trials in the UK have been ongoing since October 2005. Not
only does 3G promise to bring the Internet, television and telephony together in one
medium, it also presents new ways for people to communicate with each other across
the world. The cellular infrastructure is already in place, it is just a matter of
modifying the existing network.

Even though 3G is still currently being introduced to countries across the world, 3.5G,
3,75G and 4G are already in development and being employed by cellular providers
in some countries. These broadband technologies promise to bring even greater
transfer speeds to improve video and sound quality.

Wi-Fi

5
http://blogs.zdnet.com/ITFacts/index.php%3fblogthis=1%26p=8158
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3576260.stm
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http://vodafone-i.co.uk/live/live_tv.html
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Wi-Fi is the name given to wireless local area networks. These are often used to
provide wireless broadband connection to the internet. They have specific coverage
and will only provide access within a particular radius of a Wi-Fi network access
point, a small box (often known as a wireless router) that emits a radio signal. This
signal is picked up by a wireless adapter connected to a notebook, laptop or personal
computer. Areas that offer Wi-Fi networks are known as hotspots. It has been
particularly popular in home usage, offering a broadband Internet connection that can
be shared indoors and outdoors but without the hassle of wires. More recently, Wi-Fi
has been implemented commercially. Many hotels, Internet cafés, airports, schools
and universities around the world now have Wi-Fi networks in operation.

During its development, many thought that Wi-Fi would serve as an alternative to
cellular networks, being especially useful in providing voice communication to areas
of the world that do not have a wired telephone infrastructure. The major drawback to
this is that Wi-Fi networks do not have the wide coverage of cellular networks. Even
so, several major handset producers do offer Wi-Fi phones. The major potential of
Wi-Fi is that it presents the possibility of people sharing internet connections, as one
access point could serve all the people in one hotspot. The benefit of this would be
free internet access for those who cannot afford connection prices. This has already
come to fruition in Spain, where an association of Wi-Fi users known as the FON8
share their access with others via personal wireless routers. The FON intend to have
the largest number of Wi-Fi hotspots in the world by the end of 2006. Like the
sharing of MP3s on peer-to-peer networks, however, it is expected that the sharing of
Internet connections may be outlawed, as it breaches the contracts of many Internet
service providers. Whether this will happen remains to be seen but it is a distinct
possibility. Nonetheless, there are numerous other countries that legally offer free
Wi-Fi access and it is a trend increasing around the world. Numerous websites offer a
directory of worldwide Wi-Fi hotspots that can easily be found through Internet
search engines; an example of such can be found at the end of this section. More
importantly, Wi-Fi is not Windows specific, and is compatible with open source
software such a Linux.

There are some disadvantages to Wi-Fi, the most common being that it has a
relatively short range. Security has become a concern with Wi-Fi, as unprotected
networks allow anyone with a wireless connector to access the network. It is
important that unshared networks take necessary measures to protect their Internet
connection from unwelcome intruders. Another disadvantage is that Wi-Fi requires a
lot of power to run and can use a lot of battery power, though many notebooks and
laptop computers are developed to maintain as much battery life as possible. Despite
these problems, Wi-Fi networks have the potential to bring internet connections to
those who cannot get wired access or afford the high prices of many broadband
service providers.

WiMax

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) is essentially a radio

technology which is similar to WiFi but which can provide access to wireless

8
http://en.fon.com/
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broadband over a much wider area, with a larger bandwidth and better security. It
works in the same way that the cellular network operates, with base stations
transmitting radio signals that are received by notebooks or laptops, personal
computers or PDAs. WiMax hotspots can provide 31 miles (50 km) of service and
offer speeds up to 70 mb/s, though like cellular networks, these can be affected by the
natural environment. WiMax antennas are able to be connected to existing cellular
base stations, using the existing cellular infrastructure that is already in place. It will
be very useful to countries that do not have a wired infrastructure, and the antennas
are considerably more cost effective than wired networks. Unlike Wi-Fi, WiMax will
offer true mobility, much like the roaming option associated with cellular phones.

WiMax is currently on trial in several countries around the world, such as America,
Columbia, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Due to the low cost of the
technology it promises to bring true broadband, wireless access to the Internet to
millions around the world –even in the most remote parts –once the infrastructure is
fully in place. WiMax will also offer VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), which will
allow those with broadband connections to make voice calls to other users. Many
expect WiMax to be in heavy competition with 3G, which has led to Nokia and
Motorola becoming involved in the introduction of WiMax. Though WiMax
promises to offer a global area network, it is still being tested, and is not expected to
be in full operation until 2007.

What are the implications of broadband wireless technologies?

3G cellular phones are able to provide advanced two-way communication between a

broadcaster and their audience. Thanks to this interactivity, a listener can
communicate with a radio station and, in return, receive an individual programme
designed to suit their specific tastes and moods. Unlike traditional radio, listeners are
often required to pay to hear a station. However, this cost ensures there are no
commercials to interrupt the broadcast.

The listener can use the online interface provided by the handset to indicate their
listening preferences. For instance, they can choose from content such as news,
weather, sports, music, comedy or the like. The latest 3G-capable cell phones are
intelligent enough to remember the changing preferences of the user. Personal likes
and dislikes are memorised and the service provider is “trained”to send a music
selection tailored to suit the listener’s individual tastes and daily routines.

In 2006, the Vodafone company, in association with Sony Net Services, created a
cellular music service called “Radio DJ”. This service offers interactive, personalised
radio channels that are streamed to both 3G cellular phones and personal computers.
This service gives its customers access to a huge database of old and new songs.
Users are able to create their own pre-programmed radio channels by pressing a
button to indicate whether they “like”or “dislike”a particular song. Vodafone has
software which learns from these selections and then ensures that future playlists only
feature songs with characteristics that fit the listener’s preferences. It also avoids any
songs that they have indicated they dislike. If the user decides that they don’t like a
particular song, they simply press a “dislike”button, and the music quickly skips to
the next song.
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3G technology offers its users a great deal of choice. Listeners can choose from pre-
selected channels of music, personally selected channels or specialist collections.
Songs can also be purchased online and then downloaded directly to either a cellular
phone or PC. This growing market is proving to be very lucrative for wireless carriers,
who hope the extra revenue will repay them for the billions of dollars that they have
spent upgrading existing networks to cope with the new technology.

These 3G cellular services are currently available in more than 20 countries around
the world. They are often provided for by a monthly subscription price which covers
unlimited listening time.

Although cellular phones allow two-way communication, they are also used as a
unidirectional technology. In other words, the phone is only used as a receiver. In this
mode, the cell phone is only listening to a signal and, because it is not sending a
signal as well, it does not have to transfer as much data. This means less cost for the
user. Many cellular phones now have software such as RealPlayer (from
RealNetworks) which allows them to receive streaming radio stations. Satellite radio
broadcasts from companies such as SIRIUS Music are also available to be streamed
on cellular phones. Listeners do not receive the signal via a satellite receiver but hear
the same programme over a streaming, online audio connection. Customers who
access satellite radio through their cellular phones have a great deal of choice. There
are currently over 20 commercial-free, high-fidelity satellite music channels available
on cellular networks. It is conceivable that future cellular phones will be able to
receive a direct signal from a satellite radio station.

Another advantage of 3G technology is its ability to record the exact numbers of

listeners that a cellular transmission has. Traditional radio has no way of instantly
calculating how many listeners are currently tuned into a broadcast. But with cellular
broadcasts, the transmitter knows exactly how many listeners are hearing a
programme at any given time.

If you listen to an AM or FM radio station while driving in a car, the sound will
eventually grow weaker and more distorted as the signal loses strength. However,
cellular phones with 3G technology allow people to listen to their favourite radio
station whether they are sitting at home or travelling on the other side of the world!
This major advantage has made the technology very interesting to radio networks, as
it allows broadcasters to target new audiences who are not within the normal range of
their terrestrial coverage. Although it can be relatively expensive to have an unlimited
3G connection, many people think its convenience and reliability make it well worth
the extra cost.

Some customers prefer to pay for uninterrupted GPRS or 3G data than to listen to a
free programme that is full of advertising commercials. For a regular ongoing
subscription fee, listeners can enjoy their favourite broadcast, commercial-free and for
as long as they want, from just about anywhere on earth. As the number of cellular
phone in use continues to grow, it is expected that more people will start to use them
as 3G and 4G radio receivers. This will enable the technology to become even more
affordable. Many telecommunication companies offer special discounts to encourage
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new clients to try the benefits of 3G data. For example, customers might receive
unlimited 3G data for a certain period of time, but only if they buy a new model of
3G-capable cellular phone.

Streaming radio over a wireless cellular network also has its downsides. Copyright
policies that govern the online availability of pre-recorded material have proven to be
expensive for many operators. Although today’s listeners can generally enjoy a strong
connection, there is an industry fear that the increasing popularity of the service could
cause the network to become overloaded and jammed. New base stations for cellular
transmissions are being built everyday. However, there are still many wireless “dead
spots”around the world which will cut off radio transmission.

Wi-Fi radios are purpose built systems which are compatible with all major internet
streaming formats (Quicktime, RealPlayer, Windows Media Player). This means they
are able to play most internet radio stations as well as “Listen Again”features used by
companies such as the BBC. These allow listeners to hear their favourite weekly
shows and other programmes from an online archive at a time that suits them.

Wi-Fi radios only needs a standard Wi-Fi connection and mains power to operate.
This makes them ideal for those with wireless home networks or with access to the
Wi-Fi “hotspots”described earlier. These systems allow the user to play audio
through speakers built into the Wi-Fi radio, or via headphones, or by plugging the unit
directly into a home stereo.

This system offers listeners an enormous amount of choice in one affordable, easy-to-
use product. There are currently over 3,000 free internet radio stations broadcasting
around the world. The signal is always strong and clear, as there is no static caused by
poor reception. In many cases the sound quality is actually better than DAB radio.
The other main advantage is that the user pays no subscription fees for the service,
other than their existing internet charges. Users are able to search for their favourite
stations in a number of different ways. Listeners can choose a broadcast by its country
of origin, its alphabetical name or by its genre.

How could broadcasters in different developing countries use the

technology?

One of radios biggest strengths is its portability. Modern transistor radios are often
very small and easy to carry. The same can be said for cellular phones. The compact
and powerful design of modern 3G cellular phones makes them the ideal
communications tool for developing regions. New technology has improved battery
efficiency and led to the development of handsets which can operate for many hours
on a single charge. Because 3G technology can be received wherever there is cellular
coverage, an ordinary signal can span the entire world. This means a radio station
broadcasting with 3G effectively has no borders. It can be heard anywhere there’s a
mobile signal, by anyone with a 3G capable cell phone. In this respect, broadcasters in
developing countries have the potential to broadcast their messages across an entire
continent –or even the world!
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In many developing countries, line installation fees can be high and customers often
have to wait years for a fixed line. It’s often far easier to obtain a mobile connection
and then pay for the “pre-pay”card to activate their handset. This service has allowed
millions of users who would normally not be financially eligible for a subscription-
based service to become mobile users. 3G networks also give developing countries
the opportunity to “leap frog”over old technologies and immediately enjoy powerful
new cellular systems. Because cables do not need to be laid, it is far simpler and less
expensive for cellular networks to be installed.

3G cellular phones can also be used to send digital audio from an outdoor location
back to a broadcast studio. Radio journalists often use cellular phones to call in pre-
recorded reports or to be put live to air via the production desk in the studio. This is a
very effective way to provide low cost outdoor broadcasts, although the quality of the
audio is poor. New cellular devices have enabled radio microphones to be connected
into standard cellular phones. These systems use wireless technology like an “endless
cable”which connects the microphone to the studio. This makes them very useful for
journalists reporting live news items on location, or presenters who are covering
entertainment events. Broadcasters can call the studio, be routed through the studio
desk, and then speak live to thousands of listeners across the world. The main
advantage of this system over more traditional outside-broadcast technology is that it
requires very little equipment. New units such as “MicTel”from CircuitWerkes are
very small and lightweight. The quality of these signals is incredibly high and the
sound is far clearer than a standard cell-phone call.

Wi-Fi is a useful way for broadcasters to stream their stations to a world audience.
However, a radio show must first be streamed on the internet before it can be picked
up on a Wi-Fi-enabled computer or cellular phone. Listeners who use specially
designed Wi-Fi radios have access to thousands of individual stations which broadcast
from around the world. Broadcasters can hear a wide range of innovative educational
and entertainment radio. By listening to these examples, ideas can be exchanged and
new techniques can be learnt.

Wi-Fi allows a user to “share”their digital broadband connection. In this respect it

can be a very affordable way to connect a large number of people. One person with a
broadband connection creates a local area network. This allows them to act as a
“transmitter”, allowing anyone else who happens to be within range the ability to
access audio from the internet. If too many people use the connection it will become
slower. However, a well managed account could enable many broadcasters to utilise
the internet at once.

WiMax represents the pinnacle of wireless communication. Although new, improved

systems may be designed in the future, it currently remains the ultimate carrier in
terms of speed and data volume. WiMax will allow listeners to have access to an
enormous amount of exclusive audio and video programming. To help ensure the
success of WiMax, a global organisation has been formed to promote technical
compatibility with the system and to help accelerate the adoption of WiMax devices
across the world.
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Although Wi-Fi systems only have a limited range, the aim of WiMax technology is
to provide coverage across the entire world. In this respect, every person with the
appropriate technology would have full broadband access wherever they happened to
be, even if they were travelling on the ocean, in an aircraft, or in the middle of a
desert. This global coverage is estimated to be completed by the year 2020 and will
enable broadcasters to send high-quality audio back to the studio from any point on
the planet.

How can broadcasters find out more?

http://www.3gnewsroom.com/
Offers daily news and information about 3G.

http://www.the3gportal.com/
Similar in ways to the previous recommended site but still very useful for updates on
the 3G technology.

http://www.virginradio.co.uk/thestation/mobile/
Virgin Radio are the first UK radio station to offer Radio DJ services to its listeners.

http://vodafone-i.co.uk/live/live_tv.html
The is a link to the Vodafone Mobile TV website.

http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
An online directory of WiFi hotspots around the world.

http://en.fon.com/info/what-is-fon.php
The FON aim to offer free Internet access to all of Spain through WiFi. This is their
official website.