l Founding managing director/chief executive of Vodafone Fiji and has been there for 20 years. l Appointed to this role in February 1994 with the inception of Vodafone Fiji. l Vodafone Fiji is a joint venture between Telecom Fiji (Now ATH) and Vodafone Group Plc. l Before taking up his current role as managing director of Vodafone Fiji, Mr Khan was the Manager Network Strategy and Planning at Telecom Fiji and played a pivotal role in planning and modernising the Fiji’s Telecom network. l Spent 14 years in Telecom Fiji. QUALIFICATIONS l MBA ( Melbourne University, Australia) l Post graduate diploma in telecoms and information system (Essex University, UK) l B.Sc (honours) Electronics Engineering (Brighton University)
Compiled by RACHNA LAL
Welcome to Hard Talk, where we pose questions to both top executives and budding entrepreneurs on some of the major issues involving business.
Vodafone Fiji has become the first operator in Fiji and among the leading networks around the world, to launch true 4G services.
The service is critical given our high dependence on information communication technology (ICT).
This all has been possible following Vodafone Fiji recently securing 4G spectrum in the auction by the Telecommunications Ministry.
But, there are still a lot of questions and uncertainties surrounding how this 4G technology will work.
We hope through the response below from Vodafone Fiji managing director/chief executive, things will become much clearer for everyone.
Questions for Vodafone Fiji managing director/chief executive, Aslam Khan:
1. What is 4G?
4G is the 4th generation mobile communications technology and a successor to the 3G standards. It is also known as long-term evolution (“LTE”)–a radio access technology to deliver very high speeds.
It is the latest technology after 2G and 3G which gives you a faster and rich internet experience. With 4G, you can notice a visible difference while downloading files, doing video- chat, playing multiplayer games or while viewing HD videos online.
4G is capable of delivering an ultra-high speed mobile data connection for mobile devices like 4G smartphones, 4G mobile broadband FlashNet, 4G MiFior, 4G enabled tablets.
2. What are some of the benefits of 4G network and how is Vodafone’s 4G is services better and why should I opt for it?
With Vodafone 4G, you get:
l Higher download speeds >20mbps and higher up to 100mbps
l Mobility –MiFi, Dongles (FlashNets), 4G handsets and tablets
l Mobile Internet on 4G
l Voice, SMS, MMS, video calling are all available on the same 4G phone and 4G Plan
l Fall-back to 3G/2.5G, hence bigger coverage
l Hotspot from Mobile Devices, 3-in-1 solution. Voice, Mobile Internet, Internet Sharing.
l Lower power drain
l Lower latency
3. In comparison to Unwired, how come Vodafone is claiming to be the first to market with 4G?
Vodafone is the first to bring true 4G LTE services into Fiji by offering both Data and Mobile Internet services. We are providing voice, sms, mms, video conferencing etc and capabilities through dongles and mobile phones.
4. Where can I use 4G?
For now 4G, is available in most parts of Suva, Lami and some parts of Nasinu. 4G will soon be available in selected parts of Nadi and Denarau.
5. Is Vodafone planning on expanding 4G coverage?
4G expansion will be determined in the future.
6. What’s the difference between Digicel’s network and 4G?
Digicel still uses the 2G, 2.G, Edge and 3G networks. They advertise 4G via Unwired Wimax plans.
7. Can 4G work on my current SIM or current Flashnet?
You will need a new USIM (new SIM), a new 4G plan, a new 4G Flashnet and coverage for 4G to work.
You may need a normal, micro or nano USIM depending on your phone.
8. What is the average 4G speed that I will get?
The theoretical maximum download speeds are 100 Mbps, however typical download speeds will range from 2 to 20 Mbps, peaking up to 40 Mbps. On upload, a user can experience between 1 to 5 Mbps, peaking up to 10 Mbps.
Having said that, speeds will vary depending on various factors such as radio environment conditions, number of users on the Network, device capability and servers from which the content is being accessed.
9. How much faster is 4G over 3G?
3G average speeds 1-2 mbps, theoretical speeds of 21 mbps.
4G average speeds 2-20 mbps, theoretical speeds of 100 mbps.
10. I have Connect broadband at home and their speeds are pretty fast. Will 4G be faster than them?
Yes, 4G provides up to five times faster speeds than 3G, making it suitable for all types of high speed applications and services. 4G is also known to be the fastest wireless internet service currently available.
11. How much faster is Vodafone 4G over Unwired?
Unwired average speeds 1-5 mbps, theoretical speeds of 75 mbps.
4G average speeds 2-20 mbps and higher, theoretical speeds of 100 mbps.
12. Will 4G work on my iPhone or Apple device?
At the moment, we are working with Apple to get the firmware patch to enable 4G on Apple products in Fiji. We will communicate this once 4G is compatible with our network.
12. What is the cheapest LTE phone?
The cheapest 4G phones are the Samsung Ace 3 and Huawei G526 retailing at $699.
13. Does 4G support video calling?
Yes, 4G supports video calling.
14. Will INKK be on 4G also?
At the moment this is a Vodafone Only service.
15. How do I get 4G?
You can contact any of our Account Managers or visit our retail outlets to get connected.
15. Can I trade-in my old FlashNet with the new FlashNet that supports 4G?
No, you cannot trade-in your old Flashnet.
16. Does 4G automatically pick upon my phone?
Firstly, the SIM in your phone needs to be on an active 4G plan. 4G should pickup after a hard reset. Manual configuration of APN might be required for data to work.
17. My Samsung is 4G compatible, will 4G work?
All 4G devices purchased directly from Vodafone outlets will work, as the firm ware on these devices have been upgraded to support 4G services. For 4G devices sourced from other carriers or countries, there are no guarantees that these will work on the Vodafone Fiji 4G network and Vodafone will not take responsibility for any such devices.
However, our technicians will be able to check and confirm and where possible, assist with firm ware upgrades to enable these devices to work on Vodafone’s 4G Network.
18. Will 4G be for both Postpay and Prepay?
Yes, 4G is for both Postpay and Prepay.
19. Will I have to pay extra to use 4G? OR Are there any extra charges for using 4G services?
All 4G plans are priced differently and once you are active on a 4G plan, everything is charged as per plan, regardless of whether you’re on 4G or 3G Network layer.
20. What can be the disadvantages of using 4G (battery drain)?
Coverage could hinder 4G performance. On the bright side, if there is no 4G coverage, you will be seamlessly handed over to 3G.
21. Can I get 4G on the 3G phone or USB modem that I have now?
No, the phone needs to be a 4G phone preferably purchased from Vodafone Fiji.
22. Is 4G compatible on all devices?
No, 4G is only compatible on current 4G devices. Refer to Answer#23 for more clarifications.
23. Do I need any software upgrades for 4G Flashnet as well?
All 4G Flashnets purchased directly from Vodafone outlets will work, as the firm ware on these devices have already been upgraded to support 4G services.
For 4G devices sourced from other carriers or countries, there are no guarantees that these will work on the Vodafone Fiji 4G networks and Vodafone will not take responsibility for any such devices.
24. So I can roam overseas on 4G when I’m abroad on business?
Both inbound and outbound roaming is currently unavailable.
25. Can I exchange my FlashNet for a 4G one?
You will need to purchase or signup to a contract to get a 4G Flashnet.
26. I just bought a pocket MiFi a few months ago, is this 4G one?
No, this is not a 4G MiFi. You will need to purchase a 4G router/MiFi and subscribe to a 4G plan to use 4G services.
27. When you say it will benefit my business, how exactly will it do that?
a) Ultra high speed Wireless Internet access
b) Access rich content and multimedia applications eg: Movies, HD videos, e-learning, HD content and more
c) Multiple downloads of heavy files; high definition multimedia content at the same time will be possible
d) Higher uplink and downlink speeds
e) Seamless online streaming
f) High definition online gaming
g) Access business applications that require higher speeds and last mile connectivity
h) Face-2-Face video chat seamlessly
28. What happens when I move outside 4G coverage area?
When you move outside 4G coverage area, your phone will seamlessly move to our 3G Network layer and you can continue using your phone. [For this to happen your 4G device needs to be in auto network mode for seamless transfer across networks].
29. Is 4G used for Voice, Data and Txt?
For now, 4G is a data-only service. For Voice and SMS, you will be seamlessly switched to our 3G Network layer and you can continue to use your phone normally for voice and SMS.
30. What is the difference between 4G-ready and 4G-enabled devices?
A 4G-ready device has 4G hardware and just requires a setting change or a software update from the manufacturer to enable it. A 4G-enabled device does not require any change to work on 4G.
30. How will I know if I am connected to the 4G network? Is there any visual indicator on the device?
You will know you are connected to the 4G network once you see the 4G icon appear on the top part of your phones screen.
up on my phone?
Firstly, the SIM in your phone needs to be on an active 4G plan. 4G should pickup after a hard reset. Manual configuration of APN might be required for data to work.
17. My Samsung is 4G compatible, will 4G work?
All 4G devices purchased directly from Vodafone outlets will work, as the firm ware on these devices have been upgraded to support 4G services. For 4G devices sourced from other carriers or countries, there are no guarantees that these will work on the Vodafone Fiji 4G network and Vodafone will not take responsibility for any such devices.
However, our technicians will be able to check and confirm and where possible, assist with firm ware upgrades to enable these devices to work on Vodafone’s 4G Network.
18. Will 4G be for both Postpay and Prepay?
Yes, 4G is for both Postpay and Prepay.
19. Will I have to pay extra to use 4G? OR Are there any extra charges for using 4G services?
All 4G plans are priced differently and once you are active on a 4G plan, everything is charged as per plan, regardless of whether you’re on 4G or 3G Network layer.
20. What can be the disadvantages of using 4G (battery drain)?
Coverage could hinder 4G performance. On the bright side, if there is no 4G coverage, you will be seamlessly handed over to 3G.
21. Can I get 4G on the 3G phone or USB modem that I have now?
No, the phone needs to be a 4G phone preferably purchased from Vodafone Fiji.
22. Is 4G compatible on all devices?
No, 4G is only compatible on current 4G devices.
23. Do I need any software upgrades for 4G Flashnet as well?
All 4G Flashnets purchased directly from Vodafone outlets will work, as the firm ware on these devices have already been upgraded to support 4G services.
For 4G devices sourced from other carriers or countries, there are no guarantees that these will work on the Vodafone Fiji 4G networks and Vodafone will not take responsibility for any such devices.
24. So I can roam overseas on 4G when I’m abroad on business?
Both inbound and outbound roaming is currently unavailable.
25. Can I exchange my FlashNet for a 4G one?
You will need to purchase or signup to a contract to get a 4G Flashnet.
26. I just bought a pocket MiFi a few months ago, is this 4G one?
No, this is not a 4G MiFi. You will need to purchase a 4G router/MiFi and subscribe to a 4G plan to use 4G services.
27. When you say it will benefit my business, how exactly will it do that?
a) Ultra high speed Wireless Internet access
b) Access rich content and multimedia applications eg: Movies, HD videos, e-learning, HD content and more
c) Multiple downloads of heavy files; high definition multimedia content at the same time will be possible
d) Higher uplink and downlink speeds
e) Seamless online streaming
f) High definition online gaming
g) Access business applications that require higher speeds and last mile connectivity
h) Face-2-Face video chat seamlessly
28. What happens when I move outside 4G coverage area?
When you move outside 4G coverage area, your phone will seamlessly move to our 3G Network layer and you can continue using your phone.
[For this to happen your 4G device needs to be in auto network mode for seamless transfer across networks].
29. Is 4G used for Voice, Data and Txt?
For now, 4G is a data-only service. For Voice and SMS, you will be seamlessly switched to our 3G Network layer and you can continue to use your phone normally for voice and SMS.
30. What is the difference between 4G-ready and 4G-enabled devices?
A 4G-ready device has 4G hardware and just requires a setting change or a software update from the manufacturer to enable it. A 4G-enabled device does not require any change to work on 4G.
30. How will I know if I am connected to the 4G network? Is there any visual indicator on the device?
You will know you are connected to the 4G network once you see the 4G icon appear on the top part of your phones screen.