Gadget Mania

CELLULAR GPRS: Cool Connectivity!

by Sinha Dissanayaka

"Hey, my new Mobile Phone's got GPRS, MMS and blah blah..." - someone remarks at the workplace. " That's great! What's GPRS? What does it do?" asks another. "Er... I don't know, all I do is take calls and send SMSs" comes the reply! Who needs GPRS anyway? Besides, what on earth is it? Is it some new feature for gadget geeks to enjoy while the rest of us put our cell-phones to mundane use, such as taking calls and sending SMS?

What is it?

GPRS stands for "General Packet Radio Service" which is an advanced form of data transfer available in some GSM networks. This feature is dependant on the GSM service provider, and is not available in analogue phone networks.

Some refer to GPRS as being 2.5G, that is, a technology between 2nd generation (2G) and 3rd Generation (3G) phones. GPRS created quite a buzz a few years ago when it arrived and it has proved popular with both users and phone manufacturers alike.

What does it do?

Essentially, GPRS enables you to access the Internet, send E Mail and MMS etc. wirelessly, using a GSM connection, at a decent connection speed. The advantage, of course, is the ability to be mobile and yet get connected.

This gives the user unlimited freedom to work on the move, for example, being able to write and send that all important email to a customer while waiting to pick up your kid from sports practices. You could even send that crucial power-point presentation to anybody in the world via email while relaxing on the beach at Hikkaduwa! You can also "chat" online, using programs such as MSN messenger, on enabled phones/PDA devices.

Is it costly?

Thankfully, no! Due to its unique technology, when you are connected or "online" on GPRS, you are not charged for the time you are online, unlike in the old "data connection WAP" systems. You are only charged by the volume of information uploaded or downloaded (generally measured in Kilobytes and Megabytes).

Dialog GSM provides a GPRS service which is by far the best in town, and you are charged only Rs.2/= for every time you go online (for whatever the duration of the session online) and apart from that, you are only charged 2 cents (yes, 2 Sri Lankan cents) for every kilobyte sent or received.

So, it makes sense to do your heavy downloads (updates, MP3s, etc) from your broadband (ADSL etc) connection at home or office, but GPRS can be used for basic surfing and E mailing at a reasonable cost.

Which Phone?

Only GPRS enabled phones can be used for GPRS connectivity and this can be clearly seen on the box or in the instruction manual. The quality of the phone's browser also matters, and many GPRS phones can only open "WAP" sites and other "text only" sites.

Even the more "sophisticated" looking phones can be a disappointment if you intend using the phone as a browser. I used to own a Nokia 6600 purchased by the Sri Lankan Agents for Nokia, but its browser could not open MSN hotmail or my HSBC online account. I could, however, open "Yahoo" mail.

"Smart phones"

I personally use one of these, which combines the functions of a phone and a PDA. These generally have powerful browsers which enable hassle free mobile browsing and e-mailing. Several popular smartphones are available, and these, while being expensive, are a good investment in terms of personal and corporate productivity.

Laptop/PDA and Mobile phone combination

Using technologies such as Bluetooth and infra-red, the size or capability of your phone's browser doesn't matter , because your GPRS enabled phone can be used as a modem for your PDA or Laptop (Notebook) Computer! I have tried this in Sri Lanka and it really works!

GPRS Cards

These unique "cards" are fitted into the "PCMCIA" card slots in your PC or notebook, and you don't need a phone! The card acts as a GPRS modem! This is available in Sri Lanka for approx. 20,000 upwards.

Get the EDGE!

"EDGE" is a technology which is a faster version of GPRS. If your phone supports EDGE, your browsing speeds are significantly increased, saving you a lot of time.

Before you buy!

If you are thinking of spending more than Rs.8,000 on a phone, get expert advice as to the features available, and see as to whether, realistically speaking, you will use any of the features for which you are paying extra!