We test the GPRS Internet on Bee +. While free

Test (non-commercial) exploitation of Internet-GPRS subscribers B + - probably the first case of such large-scale testing of a packet data network in the Russian GSM. Fairly long periods of free GPRS-access subscribers are already familiar and Beeline and MTS, however, in those times of potential consumers of services was much less, and phones with GPRS support was only a few models. Controversial, often polar opinions about the quality / availability of services under the current testing and ongoing discussions in various forums, show significantly increased popularity of mobile internet access. Theme was of interest to many readers Mobile Review, that caused us to ask questions directly to the "original source" - the leadership of the corporation Archive.

Packet data services (mobile Internet access) in a GSM network is usually divided into two main categories: Wap-GPRS and Internet-GPRS. In the first case we are talking about access to Wap-resources directly from their mobile phone via a special gateway, in the second - the full access to all resources of the World Wide Web. Wap-GPRS (for a fixed monthly fee) has been available to subscribers of Bee + before, but thanks to the compactness »wap-Internet segment of the transferred data is relatively small. User profile Internet-GPRS (previously connected only to the contractual TA) is quite different: a subscriber for several hours on the Internet can "consume" information is much more than the average user Wap-GPRS month of daily visits online. Accordingly, after the announcement of the availability and temporarily free (!) Internet-GPRS subscribers Bee + load on the network was bound to increase.

Why was Beeline venturing this ambitious and demanding an experiment? There will be no rush "to blame" a respected operator of a sudden fit of altruism. Certainly a lot of reasons, and some of them are quite obvious. For example, the desire to introduce to modern technology the maximum number of subscribers - will agree, it's silly not to try the free Internet. And there, staring, draws in and get used to really convenient mobile access. No less important for the operator of the growing number of subscribers in the absence of Internet-GPRS on prepaid-contract other operators B + becomes an important competitive advantage - at least in certain market segments. In addition, many users of MTS and Megafon to buy an SIM-card B + for Internet access. And given the lack of subscription fees ("eternal" validity of payments) of these subscribers will continue to use the Bee + and after the start of commercial exploitation. Finally, the Beeline is first to step in until a tiny (in Russia), but a promising market for devices that use mobile data: handheld computers, security and navigation systems, autonomous video cameras, GPRS-modem etc. Until now, the use of such devices had to pay for a contract with the operator or to engage in illegal cloning "main» SIM-card. From an operational point of view of free GPRS-access certainly not pleased with engineers and technicians, Vimpelcom, but under high load most of the "problem" areas will be identified and the stability of the network likely will increase.

Can not do without a couple of spoons of tar - as without them! Quality of GPRS-access network Beeline in the past few days has deteriorated (due to overload?), GPRS icon sometimes disappears from the phone display (set up / forge "). Given these problems, probably rightly be canceled at this time subscription fee for Wap-GPRS for all customers - sorry, that did not.In addition, those affected contract customers who are accustomed to rely on a clear and reliable Internet-GPRS Beeline. It's a shame that in some (hopefully rare) cases there is simply no alternative - the area of ​​GPRS-coverage of other operators so far inferior to Beeline GPRS-coverage.

Virtual "interview" with Irina Bizyaevoy, head of mobile internet (Beeline)

• How is testing Internet-GPRS?

The service is mobile Internet access via GPRS technology is very popular on the Moscow market. On October 7 service is also available and the most massive segment of our subscribers - subscribers Bee + who use it very actively.

• Are there any statistics on the change in the number of users for almost a month of non-commercial use?

Statistics, of course, exist. Unfortunately, exact figures can not give - information on the number of users and traffic is kept confidential. The number of active subscribers for the service GPRS Internet over the past 3 weeks has increased by several times and continues to grow. To date, we see a stable not falling interest of our subscribers to this service.

• What is the statistics on the growth of the volume of data transmitted in the network GPRS?

Amount of data transferred to the GPRS network from 7 October increased by several times. Naturally, the profile of users with free provision of services differs greater consumption than the byte billing. Of course, if you enter service, all these factors are taken into account.

• Readers complain about the periodic disappearance of GPRS in different areas, and reboot the BS. It was even suggested some night trips BS.

Technical Department is constantly working to improve the quality of services, including services based on GPRS. In case of problems BeeLine promptly reacts to them. No special night trips to the BC occurred. All the necessary software updates are made in peak hours to avoid causing any inconvenience to our customers. Yes, we get in, including complaints about the quality of services - with them we understand - in some areas, callers encountered difficulties with access to the GPRS connection with the great number of persons using the service.

• Noticed atypical for BeeLine delays in the delivery of SMS (sometimes even more than an hour) - with which it can be connected?

Work is underway to expand the capacity of SMS-center in relation to the possible delay to send / receive messages. Will be a new feature, which we announced and which will certainly appreciate our most active SMS-users.