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Thursday, June 01, 2006
Ocampo: 3G technology vs Congress
By Tek Ocampo
Newsroom
I HAVE always been fascinated by the advent of modern technology especially in communications. I could still remember when the late Jun Pala used his analog cell phone way back in 1993. It produced a loud annoying noise when one pushed the keypads to call someone and, not to mention its weight.
But now, it's totally different. The technology for communication gadgets had evolved faster than we ever imagined. After the analog phones, GSM digital phones flooded the market.
You can now buy from an ordinary GSM phone to color LCD's with camera, mp3 and mp4 video recording and playback format. Pocket PC's or PDA (personal digital assistant) with hi-tech applications available for the demanding individuals. Owning a PDA phone is just like having a laptop and a phone in one.
A month ago, the major telecom carrier owned GSM network introduced the 3G (third generation) technology to the market. Out of curiosity I bought a 3G phone which cost me about P11,0000, the cheapest in the market today.
I can make video calls to my friends with 3G phones. We can talk and at the same time see each other through the phone. With 3G, you can also watch TV programs from GMA and other TV networks thru your phone. And they just charge you 30 pesos per day. You can also watch live camera feeds from major thoroughfares in Manila to monitor traffic. Wow! And that's only the beginning.
The telecom networks promised to improved and add services with the 3G technology. It might be expensive in the near future but, 3G technology is very convenient especially to the busiest and demanding individual.
However, Representative Danilo Suarez, chairman of the oversight committee of the House of Representatives, filed a resolution asking the telecom giants to apply for a new franchise from congress for them to operate 3G technology. They should also be investigated why the telecom implemented 3G services without prior approval from Congress.
With an interview with Senator Manny Villar over DXGM Super Radyo, he concurred with the idea of Rep. Suarez. Sen. Villar said, the GSM giants should be taxed properly if they begin to fully operate 3G technology in the country. Villar made an example of Great Britain and USA earning billions of dollars from telecom companies providing 3G services to its subscribers.
With the country's ailing economy, I think the two Houses made their point. However, as I asked the opinion of some individuals who are involved in the telecom business, they said such technology should be available to everyone. The 3G system is just like an upgrade of the GSM technology. Therefore, nothing has change except for the added features to the system.
An avid listener of my program over Super Radyo who refused to be identified, jokingly said, some congressmen and senators are just afraid of 3G technology because they can no longer escape their wives if they gallivant. Their faces and location can be seen through the built in video camera on the phone. He! He! He added.
I just hope our lawmakers know what they are doing. Regardless of the purpose, in the end, majority of the people should be the one to benefit from it.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (June 1, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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