EDGE in Australia

[Cyberdog]

Does anyone know for sure which if any networks in Australia support Edge already? Does Optus deliver mobile TV via Edge?

[Morrigan]

No Optus don't. Look at their handsets that have live TV - none of them have EDGE.

[chapplenick]

No services in Australia currently support EDGE(that being Optus, Vodafone and Telstra). This is primarily because currently most phones do not support such a service-particularly in Australia(as it takes about 2 or 3 months longer to reach). It appears as if the networks will slowly role out this service as it becomes more popular.

Cheers

[Cyberdog]

Any idea when the rollout will begin? And what about price, does anyone know if it will be charged the same as GPRS or cheaper? Because with such high speeds it will be easy to download a lot of stuff in not much time, that could easily run up a massive bill!

[chapplenick]

As far as I know, the EDGE charges will be based on the amount of data downloaded(like GPRS). These charges will presumably start out quite a bit higher than GPRS to begin with, but then slowly go down to meet the standards of other companies. The fact that more speed means more downloads makes it better for companies, so I see no reason why they would make the price of EDGE less than current standard GPRS.

Cheers

[Andy]

chapplenick.... don't think you're right there. EDGE can be treated a little like faster GPRS. Faster means more data, more functions. Most operators are trying to move to a model where you pay for content (ringtones, pics, java games) without really thinking about the data costs involved. As EDGE enables more content (streamed video being the main one I can think of) they are going to want to sell the content (ie broadcast of sports events etc).

Another point is this, if you are using your phone for a low data function like browsing a WAP forum, would you want to pay more for using EDGE? Of course not, not when GPRS is acceptable. However if you have an EDGE enabled handset, what choice would you have? It would be counter productive to charge more, what operators want to do is encourage people to use it more, thus generating more revenue.

[chapplenick]

Here is some more information on edge generally, if anyone needs it:
http://www.attwireless.com/speed/

[Andy]

thanks for the link, but as far as I can see their pricing does not differentiate between GPRS or EDGE.

Personally I like the data plan I am on, Singlepoint in the UK are a reseller who use the O2 network (and Vodafone, but I am on the O2 bit). However their billing systems must not be that flash because I have never been charged for data... :p

[Cyberdog]

Dont complain mate, enjoy the ride while it lasts, just like free sms on Vodafone au, that was mad!