The terror threat has resulted in a novel offering from Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL). The state-run company is set to offer mobile video surveillance by marrying its state-of-the-art 3G service with conventional closed circuit TV, so that security officers could monitor movements while being on the go themselves.
RSP Sinha, managing director of MTNL, told HT that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to launch the third generation (3G) service on December 11, putting the country on the 3G map, one month ahead of a process to offer private firms 3G licences.
The mobile video surveillance services will soon be available in Mumbai, company officials said.
The 3G mobile services allow high data rate services including high resolution video, TV channels and, high speed Internet in addition to conventional data services.
The video surveillance service will use cameras linked by WiFi wireless links or landlines, which can be linked to a 3G handset wirelessly, said Kuldeep Singh, director (technology) at MTNL.
“In today’s environment this kind of service is very important. In metros and big cities security has now become high on everybody’s priority,” he said.
Video surveillance services are possible only with high bandwidth. In 3G services, a speed of about 2 Mbps is possible, while the highest possible speed in GSM is only 50 kbps. In CDMA technology only a speed of 144 kbps is possible. Good quality video requires a minimum speed of 380 kbps.
{{/usCountry}}Video surveillance services are possible only with high bandwidth. In 3G services, a speed of about 2 Mbps is possible, while the highest possible speed in GSM is only 50 kbps. In CDMA technology only a speed of 144 kbps is possible. Good quality video requires a minimum speed of 380 kbps.
{{/usCountry}}A 3G handset can be bought for as low as Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000. MTNL has not yet decided tariff for 3G services. It has about 40 lakh mobile subscribers in the two metros.