| Customer base for Voice & Video calling in Dubai is rapidly expanding. Supported by the 3G (3rd Generation) mobile telecom standard and a capable mobile handset, you can now make a video call within the United Arab Emirates. | Photo : A Video Call using 3G standards in progress: Being made with N73 / N70 Nokia handsets in Dubai. Call quality (video & voice) varies but is always above average under normal circumstances. |
3G is a telecom standard for mobile communication and video telephony is its elite application along with higher data transfer speeds for Internet applications such as web browsing and email.
3G service had been tested and available in the UAE for many years. However due to its excessive cost and pricy handsets, it was not mainstream until recently. Now both the handset and cost of subscription is within affordable levels. This means expatriate Indians and others will gradually move onto seeing and hearing rather than just hearing the person they are communicating with.
Currently the quality of the picture is average but in the months and years to come, we can expect a steady increase in the picture and voice quality. Charges for a video call are more than double that for a mobile voice call in a pay-as-you-go package. However its worth the distinctive call that you make. There are other packages available and you are requested to check that with the ETISALAT (Emirates Telecommunications Corporation).
If you are an existing customer for ETISALAT mobile services, enrolling for 3G is simple. It involves subscribing to the service by contacting ETISALAT and owning a 3G capable mobile phone.
The main specialty of a 3G phone is that it has two cameras – both in the front and back; with the more powerful one at the rear for taking normal photos and video.
While you are on a video call, you see the other person in the bigger box on your screen and yourself in a smaller box. Service coverage is reportedly expanding rapidly.
4G (4th Generation) standard which is fully IP (Internet Protocol) based, things are set to take a turn for even higher quality video in the future. Web access, MMS, e-mail are other applications coming along with the 3G.
It is a nice feeling to start seeing the person as you speak to. Voice is heard on the speakers and can be switched to a compatible headset when privacy is needed. Nokia’s N70 & N73 are two examples of 3G compatible phones.
While in India, 3G and 4G is being discussed, it not very clear which service provider provides it currently and the areas they cover. If available, it would be a great opportunity for those away from home to quickly see their loved ones be it their lover, wife, parents, or friend on their favorite mobile screen and that alone will revolutionalise 3G calling.
We are yet to see may people making video calls but it would be a matter of time. Word is spreading fast and more and more people are joining the video calling. In countries such as Japan, this service is already a big hit and millions of people make regular video calls.
