The Future of Mobile Data Communications - HSDPA

HSDPA, High Speed Downlink Packet Access, offers breakthrough mobile data speed – up to 14Mbps which is higher than most advanced 3G network in existence – as well as three-to five-fold sector throughput increase, which translates into significantly more data users on a single 3G carrier spectrum. This substantial increase in data rate and throughput is achieved through implementing a fast and complex channel control mechanism based on short physical layer frames. By delivering low cost and rich content applications, operators will be able to differentiate their services, create brand loyalty, grow data revenue and margins. Another important characteristic of HSDPA is the reduced variance in downlink transmission delay. A guaranteed short delay time is important for many applications such as interactive games and instant chatting. In general, HSDPA’s enhancements can be used to implement efficiently, the ‘interactive’ and ‘background’ Quality of Service classes standardized by 3GPP. HSDPA’s high data rates also improve streaming applications on shared packet channel, while the shortened roundtrip time will benefit web-browsing applications. As a result of these enhancements, operators using HSDPA will be able to support considerably higher numbers of high data users on a single radio carrier than is possible with any existing 3G technology.

PLDT (Smart) and Globe both offer Internet connectivity via this technology. PLDT's WeRoam offers connection via HSPDA/3G/EDGE and GPRS of the SMART network whichever is available. While WeRoam is cheaper than Globe's Visibility, Globe promises a fast connection of up to 3.6Mbps. You can also experience HSDPA on some cellular phones, like the Samsung SGH-Z560. But be sure to have a deep pocket, this is not your ordinary phone though.