2005-2009
The previous few years had been characterised by the anticipation of 3G technology, which soon became adopted by most network operators and manufacturers.
However, despite providing always-on connectivity, 3G networks were initially relatively slow. It was not until the introduction of HSPA and its evolution to HSPA+ technologies that users could genuinely perceive mobile broadband as comparable to their domestic or office internet connections, with data rates in the megabit range revolutionising the experience of browsing the web or watching video on a mobile phone.
The enhanced speed of 3G gave rise to new applications, with consumer devices offering more sophisticated cameras, stylish designs, and a fresh wave of professional and prosumer handsets that included features such as keyboards and styluses.
Consumer handsets set the trend
While GCF had already certified its first 3G device — a data card in 2004 — the first GCF-certified 3G mobile phone was the Panasonic VS70 in 2006. All the major manufacturers of the era, including Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Alcatel, Panasonic, and Sony Ericsson, launched consumer-targeted camera phones supporting 3G and HSPA. Noteworthy models included the iconic Motorola RAZR V3xx, launched in 2006 or the Nokia N95 in 2007, the first GCF-certified HSDPA handset.
Professionals go mobile
As mobile phones became internet-connected, it was a natural progression for them to incorporate email functionality. The company that arguably pioneered the efficient mobile email experience was Research In Motion (RIM), and, in 2006, their BlackBerry 8700 became the first email-centric device to be certified by GCF — still a GPRS device.
Featuring a physical QWERTY keyboard and a convenient thumbwheel, the 8700 catered specifically to professionals who needed to send and receive text-based messages. It was supported by a secure, business-focused infrastructure that operated through BlackBerry’s own servers. Other professional-oriented handsets were alternatives to BlackBerry, including those based on Windows CE and Windows Mobile, which sought to extend Microsoft’s dominance from personal computers to mobile phones. Between 2003 and 2010, multiple companies released devices powered by Windows CE or Mobile, such as HP, Motorola, HTC, and LG, among many others.
For professionals who required the functionality of their laptops while remaining connected on the move, the solution came in the form of HSPA data cards and USB modems. In 2006, the GCF certified its first HSDPA USB modem: the Huawei E220.
Emerging technology trends
During this period, the radio network technologies and standards were predominantly centred around the WCDMA air interface — the most widespread implementation of 3G, standardised by 3GPP as UTRA and soon incorporated in GCF certification. This encompassed HSDPA, HSUPA, and DCHSPA, all of which provided significantly increased bandwidth compared to the initial releases.
GCF developed the capability to certify every year hundreds of devices across these technologies and beyond, including legacy 2G devices utilising GSM, GPRS, and EDGE. By monitoring the number of devices certified with each technology, GCF tapped into a valuable source of industry trends.
In addition to the technologies undergoing active certification, GCF was also preparing its support for the next major advancement: LTE, introduced in the 3GPP Release 8 and frozen in December 2008. However, that’s a story for another time…
A new era in the making
Although it appeared that 3G had only recently emerged, the mobile internet was already on the cusp of transforming our lives permanently. Two new products provided a glimpse into the direction the industry was poised to take in the years ahead.
Initially, in 2007, the modern smartphone era was kickstarted by a launch that had been eagerly anticipated for years: the iPhone. With its innovative multi-touch screen, the iPhone was set to revolutionise the mobile phone industry for the foreseeable future. Somewhat unexpectedly, it did not support 3G upon its debut, instead relying on quad-band GPRS / EDGE connectivity.
Subsequently, although it may not have garnered as much attention as the iPhone at the time, another significant milestone was achieved in 2008 with GCF’s certification of the HTC Dream, the inaugural Android smartphone.
This text is part of the booklet "A Foundation for the Future: 25 years of GCF", available for download here.