What the heck is 3G?! or Mu-WHAT?! 3G is currently the craze when it comes to mobile communication. Okay, it's not exactly a craze since some areas are still 3G-deprived. However, when it comes to Internet connectivity using 3G networks, the claim of the service providers is that it can reach speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps. Quite fast, even faster than the current offering of basic DSL subscription here in this side of the world. Municipal WiFi is about providing wireless access using cellular networks. A technology currently implemented by the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) here in the Philippines. Well, there is only one ILEC, and that would be PLDT. They market this technology under the name of WeRoam. The speeds would range about the same as basic DSL service. Can they boost it? Maybe. But of course, the cost would be shouldered by the paying public. Faster access means paying more. Errrm... For 3G Internet access, a person would have to use a PC card. Much like a wifi card, except that it needs to connect to a 3G network rather than to a wireless 802.11b/g network. The speed would depend greatly on the quality of the signal the card gets. So the better the signal, the faster and more stable the connection will be. For Municipal WiFi, a person would also need a PC card. It also connects to a cellular network, but the cellular network doesn't need to have 3G capabilities. Meaning, as long as there is a signal on your mobile, your card should also be connected. The PC card basically functions like a mobile phone, but for a cellphone. For both types of connectivity, the card would need to acquire a signal. For 3G, a cellular network with 3G capability is needed. However, Municipal WiFi is more flexible as it only needs to get a signal from a cellular network, regardless if it has 3G capabilities or not. And teh winnar is... Municipal WiFi beats 3G when it comes to flexibility as it has lesser requirements than 3G. However, in the long run, 3G will overtake Municipal WiFi as cellular providers are upgrading their systems to support 3G. So in the end, 3G will be available wherever a person may be. 3G wins in the long run as Speed is considered. For now, Municipal WiFi is still in the lead, but barely. Pricing will determine which will stay longer. As of this writing, Municipal WiFi is more expensive than 3G. Comparing the Speed v Pricing, 3G is the clear winner. The only problem as of this moment is the availability of 3G-capable networks. So, who cares? In review, 3G would be better. That is, in the long run. The question is, does anyone need it? For business owners and managers, definitely. The elite don't really need it, but they can have it, and they will. For the average person, dialup still rules number one for Internet access. Those who can afford to spend just a LITTLE BIT more would opt for basic DSL. And why would people want to access the Internet? To read websites with junk content. Like this.