Latest News  |
|
 |
|
|
Industry News SK May Become CDMA Phone Maker With US Technology Aug. 27, 1997-- SK Telecom, Korea's largest mobile telecommunications carrier, is likely to join soon the group of Korean companies manufacturing cellular phones that are based on the latest digital technology called CDMA (code division multiple access). The cellular operator recently announced that it won a license from Qualcomm for the use of the company's source CDMA technology to enhance the voice quality of its mobile services. The company also said the CDMA technology will boost its preparations to adapt itself for future mobile technologies which will prevail in the 21st century. Separately, an official at SK Telecom said that the company is considering taking over a US mobile manufacturer on a short-term basis to directly make mobile handsets, and establishing production lines at home on a long-term basis. The comments, however, caused an immediate opposition from the state-run Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and Korean CDMA cellular companies. Park Hang-koo, chief of the mobile telecommunications section of the ETRI said that the CDMA license contract between SK Telecom and Qualcom is totally null and void since it lacks the prior consent of the ETRI and four Korean companies. Under the agreement signed in 1992 among Qualcomm, ETRI, Samsung Electronics, LG Information and Communications, Hyundai Electronics Industries and Maxon Electronics, Qualcomm has to seek consent of the Korean parties before it transfers the CDMA technology to other Korean companies, Park said. The collective resistance from existing cellular companies is stemming from their common concern that the participation of SK Telecom in CDMA manufacturing will lead to a big drop in their sales revenues. SK Telecom purchased three million cellular phones, or 63 percent of the total domestic production this year. In the meanwhile, a spokesman for SK Telecom said that its CDMA license is not tied in with the 1992 agreement because the company plans to use the license to increase its research capabilities, and even in the case of manufacturing, its application will be limited to IMT-2000 handsets. IMT-2000 is a next-generation mobile technology which is expected to prevail in the early 21st century. But many industry watchers and companies involved believe SK Telecom's launching of its own cellular phones will only be a matter of time. "SK Telecom already has many ways other than CDMA technology to enhance its voice quality," Park insisted. Whichever handsets it will make, SK Telecom will face another obstacle as it attempts to penetrate the cellular manufacturing sector. Current telecommunications laws obliges mobile
service providers to get an approval from the Ministry of
 DDI, IDO to tie up with S. Korea's Shinsegi Telecomm TOKYO, Aug. 26, 1997 -- DDI Corp. and Nippon Idou Tsushin Corp. (IDO) said Tuesday they have agreed on a wide-ranging tie-up widh South Korea's Shinsegi Telecomm Inc. (STI) to launch a nationwide mobile phone service based on code division multiple access (CDMA) technology. NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc. (NTT DoCoMo), Japan's largest mobile phone company, earlier announced a plan to begin a similar phone service based on CDMA technology. NTT DoCoMo has started an experiment on the service jointly with foreign mobile phone companies. With the tie-up with Shinsegi Telecomm, DDI, the second-largest mobile phone company in Japan, and IDO will counter NTT DoCoMo's move, the companies said. DDI and IDO plan to start the service by the end of March 1999. The United States, Canada and Asian countries including India and South Korea have started CDMA-based services on a commercial basis. The Seoul-based Shinsegi Telecomm launched a CDMA-based mobile phone service in South Korea in April last year, and now has 830,000 subscribers. The two Japanese telecom companies will begin offering a CDMA-based international phone service by the time of the finals of the 2002 World Cup which will be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, they said.
Telecel-Zambia Launches First Commercial CDMA Digital Cellular Telephone Network in Africa With Motorola CIG Equipment ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill.--Aug. 26, 1997 -- Telecel-Zambia has launched the first commercial digital Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular network in Africa. The cellular equipment for the network was provided by Motorola, Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG). Telecel-Zambia's CDMA network began initial commercial service in June and will, through future expansions, provide digital cellular service to more than 10,000 people in and around the capital city of Lusaka as well as other regions including the copper belt. "The launch of Telecel-Zambia Limited's CDMA digital cellular network marks a giant step toward further modernization of Zambia's telecommunication facilities and is a shining example of the achievements made possible by the cooperation of Zambian enterprise and foreign investors," said Alain Girard, general manager, Telecel-Zambia. "The enhanced communications network will have a substantial effect on development and the potential for attracting foreign investment to Zambia." AirTouch Cellular Launches Phase II of Powerband Digital Service in Portland PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 21, 1997 -- AirTouch Cellular announced today that cellular customers will now experience the superior call clarity and voice quality made possible by Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. This is the second of three phases in which AirTouch is introducing its Powerband Digital Service to consumers. In July, the company launched several digital features including voice mail with notification, paging and Caller ID. "With today's launch, Powerband customers will add to that list of services, unsurpassed voice quality, call clarity and virtually nonexistent background noise," said Joe Dodson, vice president and area general manager for AirTouch Cellular in Oregon and Washington. "In addition to digital voice service, customers will benefit from the ironclad security inherent in CDMA technology and five full hours of talk-time on a single battery." Unlike most digital wireless services, Powerband CDMA phones will operate in both the digital and analog modes, giving customers the ability to use their digital cellular phones in 5,500 cities across the United States. The third and final phase of digital service to be offered will occur prior to the end of the year when custom text messaging will be available. This feature allows customers to receive text messages on the display screen of their cellular phones.
Japanese CDMA cellular firms team up to boost market share Aug. 8, 1997 -- In a bid to expand their share of the domestic cellular market, Japan's two regional cellular giants, Nippon Idou Tsushin Corp. (IDO) and DDI Corp., are teaming up to offer integrated services. IDO provides services in the Tokyo and Nagoya areas, while DDI Cellular's eight group firms operate in the rest of Japan. This spring, IDO and DDI announced a deal to merge their operations in order to offer integrated, nationwide service based on a new digital technology called cdmaOne. "The deal is long overdue," says Takeo Tsukada, IDO's president. The companies had already considered integrating services on two previous occasions.
PCS and Privatization of Guatel Aug. 6 1997 -- The Guatemalan government-owned telephone company, Guatel, recently announced its decision to award the PCS-CDMA project to Nortel. The company will be in charge of installing Guatel's wireless CDMA network with an initial capacity of 130,000 fixed based lines and 20,000 mobile lines. According to Alfredo Guzman, Guatel's General Manager, of the several companies invited to participate in the bidding process, only Nortel and Qualcomm decided to compete. After analyzing the two bids, Guatel says that Bellcore Consulting International recommended Nortel's proposal. The first phase of the project includes the installation of stationary and mobile telephony in the cities of Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, and Escuintla. The second phase of the project will cover the rest of the country. The service is expected to be working by February 1998.
Most Advanced Digital Wireless Phone Service Available for the First Time in Fairfield and New Haven Counties Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile DigitalChoice(SM) Expands to Southern ConnecticutWALLINGFORD, Conn., Aug. 4, 1997 -- Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile announced today that it has launched the first digital wireless phone service to the Southern Connecticut area, including Fairfield and New Haven Counties. The new service, called DigitalChoice(SM), delivers improved call clarity and gives customers the ability to answer pages, receive voice mail and identify the number of the incoming call, all while providing extended battery life and better security. And, customers can use the new phones virtually anywhere in the United States because Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile wireless service is integrated, working on both analog cellular and compatible digital networks. Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile provided the state's first wireless digital service to the Greater Hartford area in May. The company leads the industry in deploying the area's first Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) service. This `next generation' wireless technology also provides enhanced service features, and operates on the most extensive, integrated network on the East Coast. "The best way to measure interest in this new technology is through sales, and since launching DigitalChoice(SM) in our other markets, consumers have responded favorably," said Jack Plating, president of the Northeast region of Bell Atlantic NYNEX mobile. "As for the product, the sound quality of our digital network is so good that people won't believe they're on a cellular phone. Customers have the best of both worlds and can use our digital service in our markets, including New York City, and then hop on a plane or drive outside our East Coast service area and use the phones' analog capability anywhere in the country." With Bell Atlantic digital service available in Boston, Hartford, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington markets, the company has the largest digital coverage area on the East Coast. DigitalChoice is already available in metro New York/New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington/Baltimore, Charlotte and Spartanburg, N.C. and Columbia and Greenville, S.C. Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile DigitalChoice(SM) Wireless Phone Service
QUALCOMM Meets Delivery Schedules for Next Generation CDMA Chips and Software -- Company Cites Customer Focus as Top Priority SAN DIEGO, Aug. 29, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the on-time delivery of engineering samples of its next generation MSM2300™ (Mobile Station Modem) chip set to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) customers worldwide. The MSM2300 is QUALCOMM's fourth generation CDMA chip set for phones, providing reduced power consumption and increased functionality. QUALCOMM has already received orders for volume shipments of the MSM2300 beginning in December 1997. "Meeting delivery schedules, as promised, is an important element in QUALCOMM's CDMA ASIC business strategy," said Don Schrock, senior vice president of QUALCOMM's ASIC Products Division. "When we announced the MSM2300 at the CTIA show in March, we said we would ship engineering samples to our customers in the `summer' time frame, and that is exactly what we have done. We believe we can create value in the minds of our customers by providing technically superior products, at reasonable prices, with the best support in the industry. Ultimately, it is a company's ability to deliver on its promises that earns customer loyalty. That's what we have done and intend to continue doing." In addition to the MSM2300 chips, QUALCOMM also released a new set of MSM driver, protocol stack and user interface software optimized for the new chip. QUALCOMM's software implements a fully compliant IS-95A handset using MSM2300 and takes advantage of lower power consumption and more efficient CDMA modern performance. The preliminary performance of the MSM2300 has met and, in some cases, has exceeded original specifications using the new software. Notably, stand-by power consumption has proven to be 15 to 25 percent lower than originally stated, resulting in longer handset battery life. "The timely introduction of the MSM2300 chip set and software is a direct result of our joint planning efforts with our customers and increased global market focus," said Johan Lodenius, director of marketing for QUALCOMM's ASIC products Division. "These new products will help our customers shorten their design cycles and quickly build new CDMA products."
Motorola CIG Launches Horizon's CDMA Digital PCS Network in Ohio and West Virginia -- Marks 26th Commercial CDMA Launch Worldwide Arlington Heights, IL, Aug. 28, 1997
-- Today's announced launch of Horizon Personal Communications
1.9 GHz Personal Communications Services (PCS) system raises
to 26 the number of commercial digital Code Division Multiple
Access (CDMA) Motorola CIG is deploying its versatile SC™
family of PCS base stations including the SC 4850, SC 604
and SC 601 microcell, and its high-capacity EMX(R) (Electronic
Mobile Exchange) 2500 switch for staggered launches in Horizon's
five Basic Trading Areas (BTA's) which include the cities
of Athens, Chillicothe and Zanesville, Ohio and Huntington
and Parkersburg, West Virginia. Horizon's CDMA network was
deployed and operational within four months of the date of
contract signing. "We are pleased to provide the support and technology to help make Horizon a successful wireless service provider," said Jack Finlayson, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG's Pan American Wireless Infrastructure Division (PWID). "CDMA digital cellular technology will allow Horizon to provide its customers in Ohio and West Virginia with the finest wireless service available." Motorola CIG launched the world's first CDMA system in Hong Kong in 1995. Since then, it has launched commercial CDMA systems in Albuquerque, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbia, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Greenville, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Lima, Peru, Los Angeles, Lusaka, Zambia, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Diego, San Antonio, Seattle (2), Spokane and Tucson. Currently, Motorola CIG has more than 65 agreements to provide commercial and trial CDMA equipment across the globe.
Motorola and DSC Sign Agreement for Fixed Wireless Local Loop Technology -- DSC to Provide its Wireless Switch Platform for Motorola's WiLL(R) System DALLAS, and ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Aug. 28, 1997 -- DSC Communications Corporation and Motorola, Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) announced today that Motorola CIG will acquire a WiLL(R) Network Interface Unit (NIU) from DSC, its primary supplier for switching systems. The NIU is based upon DSC's mobile switch and will permit Motorola CIG to have trunked connections between its Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) WiLL systems and existing landline switches that utilize R2 signaling. The fixed wireless local loop system utilizing DSC's NIU will be marketed worldwide by Motorola CIG. "This new strategic agreement will allow us to more quickly and cost-effectively provide fixed wireless local loop solutions," said Marty Singer, vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG's Wireless Access and Business Development Division. "The Motorola-DSC solution will save operators as much as $100 per WiLL subscriber." Wylie Basham, senior vice president, DSC's Product Group Operations, said: "Our wireless switch platform will be a strong addition to Motorola CIG's wireless local loop systems architecture. DSC has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Motorola in the cellular switching arena, and we look forward to this new partnership being equally promising. Wireless local loop technology offers a strong list of advantages to today's carriers, including cost-effective deployment, rapid delivery of new services, and easy installation regardless of rugged terrain or remote location." The EMX 5000 WiLL switch will provide customers with fixed wireless access directly to the PSTN, thus minimizing the need for costly and extensive local loop deployment. This efficient solution reduces a carrier's service provisioning and maintenance costs, while enabling the carrier to provide rapid service delivery to new customers and service areas. Because it is expandable up to 20,000 E1 landline connections with a distributed architecture, this wireless local loop switch also can flexibly support a carrier's growing network requirements, both current and future. This same flexibility makes the EMX 5000 WiLL a viable solution for all kinds of network operators, including incumbent public telephone operators, new carriers and wireless service providers.
Pantech Receives Qualcomm Licensing for PCS Phone Product Aug. 25, 1997 -- Pantech, a mid-sized manufacturer of radio devices, said that it was licensed by Qualcomm Co. of the US to manufacture and market on the domestic market PCS (personal communications service) cell phones which are based on the US company's CDMA (digital code division multiple access) source technology. Pantech is launching preparations to roll
out PCS phones starting in November, The company's plan to produce PCS phones is expected to bring a change in the domestic market structure which is currently being divided among Samsung Electronics, LG Information & Communications, Hyundai Electronics Industries, Maxon Electronics and Haitai Electronics. Pantech is known to have accumulated most of its necessary technologies to produce PCS phones through its participation in the CDMA phone market over the past three years. The company already has orders for 100,000 PCS phones. Park Byung-hwa, president of Pantech, said
that the company will initially be equipped with production
lines capable of producing 50,000 PCS phones a month.
Sprint PCS Announces Availability of Samsung Phone; Samsung Phone Becomes Second Phone Option for Sprint PCS Customers IRVINE, Calif.--Aug. 21, 1997 -- Sprint PCS becomes the first CDMA carrier to offer wireless consumers a choice of phones as Samsung SCH-1000 digital phones hit Sprint PCS retail and Radio Shack stores this month. The Samsung phone joins the Sony/Sprint PCS phone in an expanding line of phones offered by Sprint PCS. ``Samsung's commitment to manufacture PCS CDMA phones is a significant step forward for the wireless industry,'' said Bruce Crair, vice president and general manager for Sprint PCS Southern California/Nevada. ``With major consumer-electronics companies like Samsung producing phones and accessories, we can offer consumers and businesses more mobile-phone choices at different price points. Samsung is a name consumers know.'' The agreement to provide Sprint PCS with
wireless phones represents an important first for Samsung
as well. Although Samsung has supplied more than 1 million
phones under its own name for South Korea's CDMA wireless
network, this is the company's first major Carlton Payton, national sales director, Samsung Telecommunications, said: ``We are proud to have Sprint PCS as our breakthrough partner in the introduction of an entire line of wireless products for North America. The SCH-1000 is the smallest and lightest CDMA PCS phone shipping today. Its thin design, large display and stylized keypad will be a hit with consumers.'' Sprint PCS has launched service in 58 U.S.
cities, including Birmingham, Ala.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.;
Little Rock, Ark.; San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno and Orange
County, Calif.; Denver and Boulder, Colo.; Miami, Fort Lauderdale,
West Palm Beach and Key The Sprint PCS system will be the most extensive PCS system in the United States. When the first phase of launch is complete, the Sprint PCS network will encompass 65 cities coast to coast, including 35 of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas. In phase two, Sprint PCS, together with its affiliates, will expand its existing service coverage to provide services under licenses recently acquired by Sprint Corp. in spectrum auctions conducted by the Federal Communications Commission.
Sprint PCS Awards Contract Valued At Over $50 Million to QUALCOMM for the Purchase of New CDMA Digital PCS Q™ Phone SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced Sprint PCS, one of the largest Personal Communication Services (PCS) providers in the U.S., has signed an agreement valued at ever $50 million for the purchase of QUALCOMM's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital PCS Q™ phones. The agreement provides Sprint PCS with Q phones for distribution throughout Sprint PCS' nationwide CDMA digital network. Shipments are scheduled to begin this summer. Sprint PCS chose QUALCOMM's palm-sized Q
phone for its unique design, "Sprint chose CDMA to provide the highest
quality wireless service to "The Q phone from QUALCOMM delivers
what everyone thought was two or three The Sprint PCS system will be the most extensive
in the U.S. When the
CDMA Automated Test Software for Mobile Phones (IS-98A) Paramus, NJ, July 1997 -- Noise Com introduces CDMA Automated Test Software (CATS-98A) for total testing of mobile receivers and transmitters as specified in IS-98A. The CATS-98A program integrates Noise Com's Wireless Impairment System (WIS-98A) and a base station simulator. CATS-98A simplifies complex mobile phone tests including demodulation under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and multipath fading conditions, and single tone desensitization and intermodulation distortion in the presence of interference signals. Based on Windows NT and C++, the CATS-98A program architecture is both flexible and modular, making it easy to add new test modules and upgrades. CATS-98A controls each instrument in the WIS test system via the GPIB interface. It even permits calibration to include consideration of RF cable losses in the test system.
Lucent Technologies First to Reach Milestone of 5,000 PCS Base Stations Using CDMA Technology MT. OLIVE, N.J., Aug. 14, 1997 -- Lucent Technologies said it established a lead in a digital wireless technology called code division multiple access (CDMA) by shipping the 5,000th wireless base station from its Product Realization Center here. The refrigerator-size minicell relies on CDMA technology to provide a new crop of all-digital Personal Communications Services (PCS). It is being installed in Korea by Hansol PCS Telecom, one of Korea's three licensed nationwide PCS service providers. The Hansol PCS project, worth US$93 million, was awarded to Lucent and Hanwha Telecommunications Co. Ltd. When completed, the network will serve the areas of Pusan and Taegu, Korea's second and third largest cities, respectively, and the rest of Kyungsang Province. When combined with nearly 3,000 CDMA Series II cell sites which Lucent Technologies has shipped to cellular network operators for digital upgrades, the company has established a firm position as the leading North American vendor of CDMA network infrastructure. Lucent Technologies is the only vendor to win a share of equipment contracts for each of the largest North American PCS CDMA networks, including Sprint PCS and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Lucent is the exclusive supplier to PCS operators Clearnet in Canada and to Centennial de Puerto Rico. Additionally, Lucent supplied network infrastructure for cellular carriers deploying CDMA technology, including Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile, GTE, Airtouch and Frontier. Globally, Lucent Technologies has won CDMA contracts from 18 wireless network operators, including the first CDMA system for the Thailand's Total Access Communication Company Limited; a project for Indonesian carrier P.T. Komunkasi Selular Indonesia (Komselindo) and the Pilpino Telephone Corporation (Piltel) in the Philippines. Lucent estimates that its commercial CDMA systems handle some three million calls each day.
Montana Telephone Cooperative to Offer Local and Wireless Services Using Integrated Solution from Nortel (Northern Telecom) MISSOULA, Mont., Aug. 12, 1997 -- The days of dealing with separate companies for local and wireless telephone service are nearly over in and around Montana's largest city. Montana Wireless, Inc., a new corporate cousin of Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative, Inc. and Clark Fork Telecommunications, Inc., plans to offer wireless and wireline local phone service before the end of the year from Missoula south through Hamilton, using an Integrated Wireless Solution from Nortel* (Northern Telecom). The Montana Wireless contract is valued at $US 7 million and is the first phase of an expected three-year network buildout. Additional phases will extend service in surrounding areas in western Montana. "Our customers want mobility and the convenience of one-stop shopping," said Dan Runyon, general manager, Montana Wireless. "Nortel's innovative solution provides the flexibility we need to meet our customers' expectations for local wireline and wireless service in a timely and cost-effective manner." Nortel will provide a complete Integrated Wireless Solution, including the Nortel DMS-100* Wireless digital switching system, 1.9 GHz cdmaOne* (IS-95 CDMA) digital radio base station equipment, and a range of design and radio optimization services. Nortel's cdmaOne wireless solutions are in commercial service in more than 30 cities around the world. * cdmaOne is a trademark of the CDMA Development Group DMS-100, DMS-MTX, Nortel and the Globemark are trademarks of Northern Telecom
Motorola Wins $50 Million Contract for CDMA-Based Wireless Local Loop Network in Poland Arlington Heights, Ill. -- August 12, 1997 -- Motorola, Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) has been awarded a contract worth $50 million by Poland's Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. (TPSA) to build the world's largest, and Europe's first, fixed and mobile converged services network using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) on Motorola's WiLL® wireless local loop system. By combining the cellular features of CDMA with the advantages of wireless local loop technology, up to 100,000 people in Poland will benefit from having a choice of either a fixed wireless connection to the home or the office or a limited mobility communications service using conventional CDMA personal phones. Deployment of TPSA's 800 MHz network will begin in August, 1997 and will initially provide voice telephony, facsimile and data transmission services. Commercial service is scheduled to begin in September, 1997. Paul Strzelecki, vice president and general manager for Motorola CIG's European Cellular Infrastructure Division, said, "In Poland, where demand for fixed line communications is high, the advantages of wireless in achieving rapid and economic telephony connections becomes compelling. Motorola's CDMA solution will assist TPSA in meeting the objectives of the national telecommunications program providing cost-effective, high quality wireless connections throughout Poland." Once the existing waiting list for telephone services has been cleared, the TPSA anticipates that new applications will be processed virtually instantly and the time between submission of the application and the start of customer service will be reduced to a matter of hours. The new network will interconnect with the existing TPSA fixed network for local and international access and will conform to TPSA's national wireline numbering system. Motorola CIG will provide a full turnkey system covering network design, project management, civil works, installation and commissioning of Motorola's SC™ 2450 cell sites, EMX® 2500 switches and operations and maintenance center. For fixed subscribers on the WiLL network, Motorola CIG's new 800SC CDMA Fixed Wireless Terminal (FWT) will provide supplementary services such as call forwarding and conference calling.
Motorola CIG to Deploy India's First Large-Scale CDMA Wireless Local Loop ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Aug. 11, 1997 -- Motorola, Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) today announced it has been selected by Bharti Telenet, Ltd. to deploy India's first large-scale commercial Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital fixed wireless WiLL(R) telephone network. The initial deployment of the project is valued at more than $50 million. Motorola CIG will begin deployment of the CDMA wireless local loop system this fall. Once commercial service begins, the system will serve the state of Madhya Pradesh, the largest state in India. Madhya Pradesh has a population of 70 million and a current teledensity of less than one telephone per hundred people. Bharti Telenet, Ltd. is the first of the Basic Services license holders to start network deployment and plans to be India's first private telephone operator. Bharti plans to offer the advantages of fixed and advanced mobile services to business as well as residents of Madhya Pradesh. "We are pleased that Bharti Telenet has selected Motorola CIG's CDMA wireless local loop solution," said Pertti Johansson, senior vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG's International Cellular Infrastructure Group. "The WiLL system and its CDMA technology provide telephone operators like Bharti Telenet with a highly effective vehicle in which to leapfrog the typical longer timeframe and high maintenance of traditional wireline systems, while offering a quality digital network with capacity for future growth." Motorola CIG's WiLL system will operate in the 800 MHz frequency band using the V5.2 digital interface approved by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard for wireless local loop systems. Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman and managing director of Bharti Enterprises said, "We see tremendous opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. A large number of major business and industrial houses are moving to the state. A prime consideration for them will be an efficient, reliable communication network. Bharti Telenet will immeasurably contribute to making Madhya Pradesh an attractive location for major businesses. A lot of ground work has already been done and the finalization of our equipment partners will enable us to quickly roll out our network. We are happy that Motorola is associated with us on this pioneering project, enabling us to introduce in Madhya Pradesh leading edge technologies." CDMA can increase capacity by eight to ten times that of analog channels and three times that of other digital technologies. Bharti Telenet is the coming together of the two leaders, Bharti Enterprises and Telecom Italia. Bharti Telenet is a joint venture between Bharti Televentures, the Italian telecommunications giant Telecom Italia and Bharti Telecom. Bharti Televentures holds 51 percent equity in Bharti Telenet, Telecom Italia (formerly STET International) holds 30 percent and Bharti Telecom holds 19 percent.
Nokia's first CDMA phone hits the market New Nokia 2180 has a full range of car, power and desktop accessories IRVING, Texas, August 11, 1997 -- Nokia , a leader in digital technologies, today introduced the Nokia 2180, the first CDMA digital design phone to offer consumers a choice. The Nokia 2180 is a dual-mode, 800 MHz phone based on the design of the award-winning and internationally popular Nokia 2100 series, the single largest selling digital platform in the world. The CDMA phone will be available this month through carriers, dealers and selected retailers. The Nokia 2180 supports both an 8 kbps and 13 kbps vocoder for exceptional voice quality and complies with the IS-95A and TSB74 specifications. The Nokia 2180 supports features such as short messaging and caller line identification. The Nokia 2180 incorporates all of Nokia's award-winning features including the company's pioneering, big-screen, 30-character, super-twist LCD display with permanent signal and battery-strength indicators, and separate voice mail and text-message-waiting indicators. Nine "one-touch" dialing keys provide instant access to emergency services, voicemail and frequently called numbers. All features are easily accessible via Nokia's user-friendly menu with soft-key interface. "Nokia's award-winning user interface and large display make the phone and digital services easy to use," said Rich Geruson, Senior Vice President, USA at Nokia Mobile Phones Inc. "And the Nokia 2180 is the only CDMA phone on the market that has a full range of car, power and desktop accessories." In its introductory configuration, the Nokia 2180 provides up to 210 minutes of talk time and up to 76 hours of standby time. An optional vibrating NiMH (nickel metal hydride) battery pack is also available. The Nokia 2180 also marks a significant milestone for the industry by incorporating Nokia's own CDMA chip design into the phone, for the first time providing customers with a choice in selecting CDMA digital technology. "The large commitment of resources -- both human and financial -- that Nokia has made in developing our own chipset will benefit the wireless industry for years to come by ensuring a wide range of competitive product options," Geruson said. Nokia's commitment to CDMA began in 1991 with the establishment of a dedicated CDMA research center in San Diego. Since then, Nokia has been an active member of the CDMA Development Group (CDG) and has played a key role in standards development by solving industry problems and providing essential algorithms for CDMA's enhanced variable rate codec (EVRC).
Powerwave Technologies Announces Development Order With QUALCOMM IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 7, 1997 -- Powerwave Technologies Inc. Wednesday announced that it has received an order to develop a 25 watt single carrier Personal Communications Services (PCS) amplifier for QUALCOMM Inc. The order specifies that Powerwave will supply to QUALCOMM highly linear, 25 watt single carrier PCS CDMA amplifiers for use in QUALCOMM's prototype testing of CDMA PCS base stations. It is anticipated that these CDMA PCS base stations will eventually be utilized to provide network coverage for PCS network operators. "We are very proud to announce Powerwave's new relationship with QUALCOMM, the worldwide leader in CDMA technology,"stated Bruce C. Edwards, president and chief executive officer. "We believe that Powerwave's 25 watt single carrier CDMA PCS amplifiers will enable QUALCOMM to fulfill PCS service providers requirements for higher-power base stations offering enhanced coverage and performance capabilities."
Lucent Technologies, Ameritech Sign Exclusive Purchase Agreement for Digital Wireless Equipment Warren, NJ, Aug. 5, 1997 -- Lucent Technologies announced today that Ameritech Cellular Services has signed a five-year, multi-million dollar contract that makes Lucent the sole infrastructure supplier for Ameritech's wireless services, including its new ClearPath™ digital wireless service. The contract calls for Lucent to provide 5ESS®-2000 Switches and wireless base stations, as well as related hardware, software, and installation and engineering services for the entire infrastructure of Ameritech's ClearPath digital wireless network. Specific financial details of the contract were not disclosed. Ameritech launched ClearPath in metropolitan Chicago on July 28. ClearPath will be introduced in Detroit in the fourth quarter of 1997, followed by introductions in the Cleveland and Indianapolis service areas in mid-1998. Long-term plans call for ClearPath to be offered in other Ameritech markets. "This investment significantly enhances our network's capabilities so we can now offer our customers advanced digital wireless service," said Herb Hribar, president of Ameritech Cellular Services. In addition to 5ESS Switches and related products, the contract calls for Lucent to supply other equipment for Ameritech's offer of ClearPath Personal Communications Services (PCS). Ameritech will provide ClearPath PCS service to customers in the Cleveland and Indianapolis areas. PCS is a digital wireless phone technology that uses a radio frequency different from other wireless services. Ameritech Cellular Services will rely on CDMA technology for both its PCS and digital cellular service. "We're pleased to provide our equipment and expertise in a partnership with Ameritech to enhance their network for advanced digital wireless systems," said Dave Geary, regional vice president for Lucent Technologies. Ameritech's ClearPath service is based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital technology. "This contract strengthens our position as North America's leading supplier of CDMA technology," Geary said. "Ameritech has very high standards for quality, and this contract affirms the excellence of Lucent's digital wireless products and services." Ameritech says ClearPath offers customers outstanding call clarity, longer talk time, exceptional privacy, fraud protection and nationwide roaming. ClearPath also provides expanded features such as caller ID, voice mail with message waiting indicator, as well as numeric and text messaging on the phone's liquid crystal display. "Our customers have told us they want outstanding call clarity and a host of new features for their cellular service," said Hribar. "Our ClearPath service is an example of how we stay a step ahead of our customers' changing needs."
Spectrian to Deliver Additional Amplifiers to LGIC SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 5, 1997 -- Spectrian Corporation today announced that it has received additional orders totalling $8 million from LG Information and Communications Limited (LGIC) of South Korea to provide CDMA power amplifiers for deployment in the Seoul-based communications equipment supplier's wireless infrastructure installations in Korea. The orders are part of the larger contractual relationship between the two companies announced earlier this year. Product shipment on these orders will be completed by the end of September. In commenting on the deal, C.J. Cho, senior advisor and former executive vice president and chief technology officer of LGIC, said, "We have worked closely with Spectrian from the beginning to adapt their core CDMA amplifier technology to meet the unique demands and specifications of the Korean wireless market. We are extremely pleased with the amplifier's performance and believe it will furnish us with a competitive advantage in our markets. Moreover, we enjoy and look forward to our continuing partnership with Spectrian." "These orders represent an important milestone in our relationship with LGIC and our growth into the burgeoning Korean wireless market," said Spectrian president and chief executive officer Garrett A. Garrettson. "We are pleased to be partnered with LGIC and to provide them with the technology needed in their continued CDMA network buildout."
|
 |
 |
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
