Besides the basic functions that we are accustomed in our mobile phone as simply someone or send / receive messages, UMTS will increase a new series of features hitherto largely inaccessible or barely present in science fiction movies.
The system will allow Internet access at speeds faster than ordinary modems and the transmission of "fax", images, videos and data. While we will be phoning on the screen can display in real time, the person you communicate, if this also has a UMTS mobile. Internet access will be significantly faster and unlimited, being able to access any information, wherever we are. Information, commerce and multimedia entertainment will be available on screen, in a system that will integrate mobile telecommunications networks, fixed and satellite. Besides roaming globally, UMTS enables the convergence of the various types of networks.
According to the European Commission, UMTS services should have the following characteristics:
- Multimedia capability and high mobility
- Efficient Internet Access
- High speed
- Portability between various environments (UMTS, allowing access to networks of terrestrial and satellite UMTS)
- Compatibility between GSM and UMTS terminals must have "dual band" or operate in both systems.
This new technology will radically alter the way we use mobile phones. People will have more time on mobile in front of the ear lying eyes, because this will become a multimedia device, such as television or computer. At the same time, the data will occupy a larger portion of the time mobile phone use because of all the available options (send "faxes", "e-mails, etc.).. Voice quality is similar to that of fixed line telephones and data transmission speed higher than a normal modem, which may mean that people will use just cell phone to replace desk phone and Internet access to through the computer. And mobility is taken accretion allow Internet worldwide in the palm of your hand wherever you are.
UMTS in Spain: When?
On the 13th of March 2000 were awarded by the Government 4 UMTS licenses in Spain by the system of examinations, Telefonica Moviles, Airtel, Amena, who already owned GSM licenses, and consortium Xfera Moviles, which will be the fourth player , being defeated consortia Movi2 Mobileweb 21. In the rules of the contest been decided that operators would have to start providing services from 1 August 2001, that is, and next year.
