Mobily has announced the launch of the advanced third generation mobile services (3.5G) which will allow current subscribers of Mobily to experience and enjoy numerous services, such as video calling, video streaming, high speed of internet, multiplayer gaming etc. The state of art services will be effective on Tuesday 27th of June 2006. Mobily subscribes have the added value of using their current 2G SIM cards on the 3.5G, without replacing or cost.
Most of the 3.5G (HSDPA) services require 2G and 3.5G phone handsets, except for the video calling which works only on 3G handsets. One of the excellent services the 3.5G will provide is the access to the internet with 3G speed from laptop using the mobile as a modem. The setting of the internet will not be different from 2G web setting. The speed exceeds 4 mega per second for download.
Subscribers can watch TV channels live on the 3.5G, which include Alarabiyah channel, CNBC Arabiya channel, Saudi TV, etc. Mobily is offering a very competitive rate compare to other operators. Cost of video telephony is 0.80 halalas per minute for postpaid subscribers, whereas a minute cost one riyal when using the TV streaming. Mobily does not demand any monthly fees for all the thirg generation services.
It is worthy to mention that Mobily only has another added value that it provides the all the third generation services for prepaid customers as well at the same rate except for the video telephony which costs 1 riyal per minute, without any extra, activation, or monthly fees.
Mobily has just completed its own 3.5G network which covers 15 cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consisting more than 900 base stations Mobily which started its operation with 2.5 G network last year, was the first Saudi company to obtain the license of the 3G and 3.5G mobile services, and has been able to build an excellent infrastructure of both generations in a record time.
