What's 3G compared to NextG??

Next G is Telstra's branding for 3G, which simply put allows faster data applications such as internet, video TV like service and video calls in addition to phone calls.

One technical difference is that testra's service is on 850Mhz, where as the others are on about 2G, so it will fo further.

They are testing the coverage verses CDMA right now, and it is Nearly as good ( despute what telstra says about it is better).

If you are in the country then there is an excellent chance that Telstra's next G will give you a much better coverage than the competition, but if you are in teh city it makes little or no difference.

A quick example,
In Exmouth 3g will not work but telstra digital (2g I think) does.
I think next g will still have a better coverage than 3g.
Peter

3G generally only operates in areas where there is a larger population and Telstra can make a motza.
Next G is supposed to replace the CDMA and operate in the outer areas and along various highways.
Next G is like CDMA, when you get to a bigger city, it will just cross over to the 3G network.
In reality there are not many other choices.
Where I live, Vodaphone and Optus drop out within 10 minutes of town.

Dave

3G is the poor mans version and only works in Metro areas (No Regional/Rural) and is slower on the data side. I'm gunna say this to all of you and you won't like it, Next G is the only way to go outside of a Satellite Phone. Given CDMA is going to be cut very very soon, don't kid yourself you are better of embracing Next G as best as possible.

So how do you do that?

1. Check the Telstra Next G Coverage Maps to see the areas that concern you.
2. Buy the best Next G phone with an external antenna capability.
3. If you can afford it buy your phone outright and don't lock yourself into a Next G plan.
4. Have a Satellite phone as backup in an emergency if coverage is crucial.

I'm sure there is a huge variation in handsets capabilities so find the best one and get yourself the best external antenna.

Finally this is all IMHO...

Still trying to figure all this out-

So 3G is not necessarily 3 (or vice versa)?? 3 is just another 'network' (like Vodaphone, Optus etc)...?? And NextG is really a 3G..
And when the 3 is out of zone- it switches to Telstra??

When you go to those shops- they ask for YOUR postcode or address to establish coverage?? Like, it's a MOBILE phone. I don't really need to know coverage at home- mainly when I'm mobile!!
And all the deals & rates are so confusing--bring back the jam tins & a piece of string I say !!

There are several companies in Australia running mobile networks with 3G.

From memory they are 3, Optus, Vodafone and Telstra - all using GSM and offering 3G speeds in metropolitan areas.

Telstra ALSO run their NextG network which is to replace the CDMA network. This is a 3G network wherever you get great 3G coverage which is most places people go rather than in the cities only.

What is 3G, it is mobile broadband - that is it and speeds vary from say around 100Kbps to over 7Mbps depending on which network you are on and the coverage you are getting.

There is also 2G which is what is offered by the on nthe GSM netwroks when you are out of 3G range. This is data at around dialup speed.

The NextG network is also used for voice, texting, etc and is the best 3G network in the country for coverage by miles - but you pay for it - it is expensive for 3G but OK for voice. Remember that Telstra ALSO run 3G on their GSM network which only works at 3G in the cities, 2G elsewhere.

Confused, well you have the be in the industry to really understand as the Telecos do not make it easy to understand so I hope that this helps

Stevesub.