Do we really need 3G?

That question has been creeping in my mind for some time, ever since I read some news and wrote about them; maybe you read them here at PA (if you're interested, you can click these links 1, 2 & 3).

Dvorak (PC Mag) has mentioned that even though we have a fast web connection & a huge bandwidth to support our leisure activities in Net world; they are not necessary useful to us. There will always another new bottlenecks appear in the Net, the reason is simple and let me quote Dvorak's: "Some of the problem exists within the topology of the Web itself. We forget that the Net is a "net." You almost never get a direct computer-to-computer connection."
I've experienced this anomaly myself, the 3G connection from a local mobile wireless carrier here in Indonesia; it doesn't always help me to get faster of what I wanted in the Net.

The next big thing we all have been waiting for: 3G iPhone, is going to bring the HSDPA speed to your shiny Apple device. That means you'll be capable to download up to 7.2 Mbps of data, for your internet surfing pleasures. But the PC Mag's dynamic duo; Wendy & Joel have a very intriguing argument on the now EDGE-enabled only iPhone (read it on my post here). Are theirs are the same reason why you love your iPhone so much too?

Based on what Roy Slaymaker, the Texas Instrument's Vice President, who said that there is a significant low demand for 3G chipset right now. Which we could pull off a simple conclusion that there are not many people out there who still don't need 3G capable mobile phones; most notable is because 3G phones are still pretty expensive compared to low-end siblings. A result from personal small surveyed of mine, found out that plenty of Indonesian people are excited by the arrival of 3G services that are offered by local mobile wireless carriers. But after awhile, many have stopped using the services due to the high bills they received. And I use the 3G for internet connection only in desperate occasions, and I often disconnect it to prevent from spending too much for the expensive 3G data transfers. Now I'm more relying on land line internet services like ADSL & cable, they're definitely more stable & no down-time.

I have a big question mark on what is the main reason why Apple now decided to release 3G iPhone, Steve Jobs has explained before on why he insisted to EDGE chipset instead of 3G; it's mainly because of battery life. I more believe it's because of the condition in European mobile market, where most of the mobile wireless carriers who operate in Europe have invested so much on 3G network. And they can't keep on ignoring the high demand for iPhone, Apple will certainly can't ignore the big bucks they'll receive when iPhone dominates the European mobile market.

So, do you see the needs for 3G as to why you purchase the expensive 3G-enabled phones in your hands now? Or is it because those ads of 3G services & mobile phones are too unbearable for your buying compulsive?

[blogged with my Treo 750v]