Friday, January 27, 2006

The inconvenience of shopping without a cellphone had been annoying me.

Lately, I had been window shopping for a 3G cellphone to buy since I was upset that most mobile phone retailers do not sell N 3660 anymore. Subscription Plan 1200 with Smart Communications has FREE N 6260 unit under special new connect package until the 31st of January, for 24 months contract. I was hesitant to get a higher plan to get a free N 6630 (Plan 1800), N 6680 (Plan 2500), or N 70 (Plan 3500), all units have faster connectivity and high-speed browsing with WCDMA (wireless code division multiple access) and EDGE technologies. However, in case of cellphone theft, I am obliged to pay more than the cost of the said unit.

Anyway, I had been wondering whether 3G is for real? 3G is shorthand for the next generation of mobile communications networks running on the WCDMA platform. On January 18, 2005, Smart Communications Inc. (SMART) announced that it has signed an agreement with Nokia for the supply of Third Generation (3G) networks technology equipment and services. Smart demonstrated its readiness to offer a full-range of 3G services in a live demo at an international conference in Cebu in November 2005. And I was told yesterday it will be formally launched in March 2006. I foresee prices of regular cellphones to drop once 3G technology is available but buying a dual camera unit will only work if the other party use the same kind of cellphone.

Ahhhh, I wouldn't worry about all these things if my cellphone had not been stolen!!!

There is a free 3G demo at the following SMART Wireless Centers: SMART Tower, Alabang Town Center, EDSA Shangri-La Mall, Powerplant Rockwell and SM Cebu. Smart 3G demo will also be available at SM Megamall and SM North EDSA SMART Wireless Centers.