HSDPA is a technology for improving the downlink performance of W-CDMA networks and is part of the evolutionary path of 3G enhancements to the GSM technology family. This well-defined path will result in higher data transfer speeds, improved spectral efficiency and greater system capacity for GSM operators.

For the vast majority of network elements, HSDPA is deployed as a software enhancement to existing 3G W-CDMA network infrastructure.

What makes HSDPA different to 3G?
HSDPA is the next evolution of mobile data access with far greater transfer speeds. The maximum download speed available on 3G is 384kbps. HSDPA however, provides download speeds of 1.8Mbps – that’s 1800kpbs!

First HSDPA network in Africa
On 22 March 2006, HSDPA went live on the MTN network; the first mobile operator to launch in South Africa.
With the roll-out of HSDPA, MTN continues to make broadband available to its subscribers, and now has the full range of data technologies available on its network, including HSDPA, 3G, EDGE and GPRS.

According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), the following operators have publicly confirmed their interest in HSDPA:

Bouygues Telecom, Cellcom, China Mobile, Cingular Wireless, Elisa, Eurotel Praha, Etisalat, Finnet, H3G, KPN, KTF, Maxis Communications, Mobilkom, Mobitel, MTC-Vodafone, MTN, NTT DoCoMo, O2, Orange, Pannon GSM, Partner Communications, Q-Tel, Rogers Wireless, SK Telecom, SFR, Sunday, tele.ring, Telefonica Moviles, Telfort, Telstra, TIM, T-Mobile, VIBO Telecom, Vodacom, Vodafone, Wataniya Telecom.

In Africa, HSDPA is currently available in: Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

According to the GSM Association:

HSDPA = High Speed Downlink Packet Access is a software upgrade for 3G networks based on the W-CDMA air-interface standard, a 3G access technology that has been adopted by the GSM community as a global standard. HSDPA is typically a software upgrade to a W-CDMA network - enabling operators to roll out this high-speed technology rapidly and cost effectively. It doubles network capacity, while making the transmission of everything from voice calls to video pictures more efficient, boosting download speeds as much as fivefold. This well-defined path will result in higher data transfer speeds, improved spectral efficiency and greater system capacity for GSM operators. For users, HSDPA will unlock a world of mobile broadband multimedia services.

See Also:

• GSM in Africa
• Mobile Technology spotlight: What is GPRS?
• Technology spotlight: What is EDGE?
• Guide To Wireless Phones
• Mobile Phone Usage In Africa and the future
• Mobile Phone Market in Africa
• Mobile Telephony. Which Way For Africa?