Industry News

cdmaOne™ Advanced Cellular/Car Phone System Subscriber Base Breaches the 2 Million Mark

August 27, 1999 -- The DDI Cellular Group and IDO Corporation, joint operators of the seamless, nationwide advanced cellular/car phone system "cdmaOne," have announced that the total number of subscribers to the cdmaOne service surpassed the 2 million user mark on August 24.

The "cdmaOne" nationwide network was completed on April 14, providing a cellular service with a broad service area that encompasses every prefecture of Japan. "cdmaOne" is a high-quality cell phone service boasting voice quality nearly as clear as natural speech, and connections that seldom get disconnected, even when communicating on the move. Users give the service high marks, propelling the subscriber base past the 1 million mark on May 26, and then doubling that again in less than three more months.

The DDI Cellular Group and IDO Corp. plan to further expand the service area and improve the communications quality of the cdmaOne service. At the same time, they will offer attractive new services, starting with 64Kbps high-speed data communications and international roaming, in order to strengthen the marketability of cdmaOne and secure an even larger subscriber base.

Sprint Launches Advanced Wireless Service in Wichita Falls, TX.; Residents and Businesses Invited to "Make A Call On Us" and Experience Dramatic Improvements Over Cellular and Other Wireless Services

Wichita Falls, TX, August 24, 1999 -- Sprint ushered in a new era of wireless communication today, announcing the launch of Sprint PCS, or Personal Communication Services, for consumers and businesses in Wichita Falls, TX. Sprint PCS is the nation's fastest growing wireless provider, offering the largest all-digital, all-PCS nationwide network with service in more than 280 markets.

"The clear alternative to cellular is here," said Tom Riley, COO of Southwest PCS, Sprint PCS Network Partner managing service in Wichita Falls. "We're not just providing consumers with a better phone, we're providing them with a connection that's more clear, more affordable and more secure than conventional cellular services. We want people to experience that quality for themselves, so we're inviting them to make a free call on us at any of our Sprint PCS Centers in the area."

Sprint PCS services and equipment are available at local Radio Shack, Circuit City, Office Max, Office Depot and Mil-Tel locations and to celebrate the launch of Sprint PCS service in Wichita Falls, Sprint PCS is offering a special promotion to new customers in the area. New customers who sign up for Sprint PCS service before September 6, 1999 will receive 500 anytime minutes per month for just $50 a month. The special plan includes free long distance calling from anywhere on the Sprint PCS nationwide network to anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sprint PCS is feature-rich - most plans include free voicemail, Caller ID and first incoming minute free - with no annual contracts required or hidden charges.

"Sprint PCS uses the most up-to-date technology to offer the best communications products and services available," said Riley. "We're excited to assist the community of Wichita Falls with its communication needs."

Local Sprint PCS Service in Wichita Falls and other markets in the region are managed by Southwest PCS under an Affiliation Agreement with Sprint PCS.

Sprint Launches Advanced Wireless Service in Stillwater, OK; Residents and Businesses Invited to "Make A Call On Us" and Experience Dramatic Improvements Over Cellular and Other Wireless Services

Stillwater, OK, August 24, 1999 -- Sprint ushered in a new era of wireless communication today, announcing the launch of Sprint PCS, or Personal Communication Services, for consumers and businesses in Stillwater, OK. The expansion of Sprint PCS service along the I-35 corridor connects Wichita, KS and Oklahoma City, OK through Stillwater. Sprint PCS is the nation's fastest growing wireless provider, offering the largest all-digital, all-PCS nationwide network with service in more than 280 markets.

"The clear alternative to cellular is here," said Tom Riley, COO of Southwest PCS, Sprint PCS Network Partner managing service in Stillwater. "We're not just providing consumers with a better phone, we're providing them with a connection that's more clear, more affordable and more secure than conventional cellular services. We want people to experience that quality for themselves, so we're inviting them to make a free call on us at our Sprint PCS Centers."

Sprint PCS services and equipment are available at the Chickasaw Telecommunications Services, Inc. location at 504 South Main in Stillwater. To celebrate the launch of Sprint PCS service, Sprint PCS is offering a special promotion to new customers in the area. New customers signing up for Sprint PCS service before September 6, 1999, will receive 500 anytime minutes per month for just $50 a month. The special plan includes free long distance calling from anywhere on the Sprint PCS nationwide network to anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sprint PCS is feature-rich - most plans include free voicemail, Caller ID and first incoming minute free - with no annual contracts required or hidden charges.

"Sprint uses the most up-to-date technology to offer the best communications products and services available," said Riley. "We're excited to assist the community of Stillwater with its communication needs."

Local Sprint PCS Service in Stillwater and other markets in the region are managed by Southwest PCS under an Affiliation Agreement with Sprint PCS.

Sprint Launches Advanced Wireless Service in Ft. Smith - Residents and Businesses Invited to "Make A Call On Us" and Experience Dramatic Improvements Over Cellular and Other Wireless Services

Ft. Smith, AR, August 24, 1999 -- Sprint ushered in a new era of wireless communication today, announcing the launch of Sprint PCS, or Personal Communication Services, for consumers and businesses in Ft. Smith, AR. Sprint PCS is the nation's fastest growing wireless provider, offering the largest all-digital, all-PCS nationwide network with service in more than 280 markets. Sprint PCS will host a grand opening event at the newest Sprint PCS Center, located at 2120 South Waldron Road, on Thursday, August 28 at 10 a.m. Sprint PCS will give away several prizes, including five pairs of tickets to The Legend Race Cars and Stock Car Races. Registration for the tickets will take place inside the store and drawings will be held approximately every 1-½ hours. Participants need not be present to win. The Sprint PCS grand opening will also feature live radio broadcasts, entertainment for children, drinks and snacks. For more information on the grand opening of the Sprint PCS Center, please contact Jodi Carrido at (501) 452-1990. "The clear alternative to cellular is here," said Tom Riley, COO of Southwest PCS, Sprint PCS Network Partner managing service in Ft. Smith. "We're not just providing consumers with a better phone, we're providing them with a connection that's more clear, more affordable and more secure than conventional cellular services. We want people to experience that quality for themselves, so we're inviting them to make a free call on us at any of our Sprint PCS Centers in the area." To celebrate the launch of Sprint PCS service in Ft. Smith, Sprint PCS is offering a special promotion to new customers in the area. New customers who sign up for Sprint PCS service before September 6, 1999, will receive 500 anytime minutes per month for just $50 a month. The special plan includes free long distance calling from anywhere on the Sprint PCS nationwide network to anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sprint PCS is feature-rich - most plans include free voicemail, Caller ID and first incoming minute free - with no annual contracts required or hidden charges. Under the management of Jodi Carrido, the Sprint PCS Center is expected to bring 25 new jobs to the Ft. Smith area. Additionally, the new retail center will offer Sprint PCS all-digital, wireless service, phones and accessories, as well as local Sprint telephone products and services. "Sprint uses the most up-to-date technology to offer the best communications products and services available," said Carrido. "We're excited to assist the community of Ft. Smith with its communication needs." The grand opening event in Ft. Smith marks the kick-off of Sprint PCS' expansion into several new markets in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, including Fayetteville. It also gives citizens of Ft. Smith and the surrounding communities the opportunity to become acquainted with Sprint PCS products and services. Local Sprint PCS Service in Ft. Smith and other markets in the region are managed by Southwest PCS under an Affiliation Agreement with Sprint PCS.

3Com Supplies Critical Wireless Technology for New Sprint Wireless Web Service

SANTA CLARA, Calif Aug. 24, 1999--Sprint's wireless division today announced that 3Com Corporation is supplying an integral part of the underlying wireless data access technology for its new Sprint PCS Wireless Web service, announced earlier this month. 3Com's CDMA InterWorking Function (IWF) is the only circuit-switched wireless data access gateway solution for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks such as the all-digital, nationwide Sprint PCS network. "3Com's CDMA IWF technology is part of the magic behind our new Sprint PCS Wireless Web offerings," said Keith Paglusch, senior vice president of operations, Sprint PCS. "3Com provides the network infrastructure platform that enables Sprint PCS' easy-to-use, breakthrough service. It helped enable Sprint PCS to take its place ahead of all its competitors in the wireless industry." Unlike some wireless carriers that have announced wireless data products, the introduction of the Sprint PCS Wireless Web service is not a limited geographic trial or test launch. It will be launched full-scale and nationwide in late September to the nearly 4 million subscribers of Sprint PCS, the fastest-growing U.S. wireless carrier.

3Com's CDMA IWF platform serves as a gateway between wireless CDMA and wireline networks. Use of 3Com's patent-pending IWF QuickNet Connect feature eliminates the need for a network modem, providing mobile users with direct digital access to the Internet and corporate intranets. By bypassing the PSTN, mobile subscribers minimize toll charges and network setup time, establishing connections in as little as 5 to 7 seconds. "Up to now, user adoption of wireless data technology has been inhibited by a number of key barriers, including high cost, spotty geographic coverage, slow transmission speed, and inadequate security. The Sprint PCS service is impressive because it addresses these key issues. Service prices are reasonable, nationwide coverage will be available immediately, transmission speeds of 14.4 kbps can be achieved, and the Sprint PCS digital network offers an inherent level of security," said Becky Diercks, director, wireless research, Cahners In-Stat Group. "3Com's CDMA IWF platform allows fast setup times and eliminates the need for wireless modems, which allows users to save hundreds of dollars. It is an important cornerstone of Sprint's Wireless Web solution." The CDMA IWF equipment connects directly to wireless switches to provide the interworking and protocol conversions required to deliver circuit-switched data capabilities to mobile data users. "

3Com is the only company offering a complete CDMA IWF wireless data access solution in the industry today," said Ben Cardwell, director of wireless product management, 3Com Carrier Systems. "Our equipment provides transparent, high-speed, reliable CDMA data connections for a full spectrum of devices including Palm® Computing connected organizers, laptops, PDAs, and new smartphones, enabling Sprint PCS to offer mobile users data connectivity to the Internet and private corporate networks." 3Com's IWF technology is based on the company's award-winning Total Control® multiservice access platform, which provides telecommunications carriers and service providers a powerful and highly reliable networking solution, including support for remote access, carrier-grade IP telephony, IP fax, virtual private networking (VPN) and other converged voice, video and data applications.

3Com introduced the IWF technology last October as a new capability for its CDMA solution. 3Com is the world's leading maker of CDMA wireless data infrastructure equipment, with virtually 100 percent of the domestic U.S. market and an estimated 95 percent of the global market.

Telstra leads the way with CDMA

August 24, 1999 -- Telstra today announced that its new Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) mobile network would be commercially available across the Melbourne and Sydney greater metropolitan areas from August 25, 1999.

Telstra's Group Managing Director, Mobile and Wireless Communications, Mr Dick Simpson, said the CDMA network launch signalled a new era in Australian mobile communications that would bring an unparalleled level of service to many Australians.

"Our new CDMA network will ideally position Telstra to cater for the growing mobile communications needs of Australians as we move into the 21st century," he said.

"Telstra has deployed and commercially launched CDMA in just 10 months, which is believed to be one of the fastest network rollouts of this size anywhere in the world," Mr Simpson said. On the basis of very successful CDMA trials and testing, Telstra will extend its CDMA rollout to include selected country locations that are currently covered by Telstra's GSM network, but do not have analogue coverage.

"At the completion of the extensive network rollout during 2000, Telstra CDMA will achieve Coverage Delivered to More Australians than any other cellular mobile technology, in fact Telstra CDMA coverage is expected to reach over 95 per cent of the Australian population."

"Our extensive testing has proven that the CDMA technology will not only deliver comparable coverage to analogue, but an additional range of services to meet the data-rich world of the future, plus enhanced voice quality with background noise suppression," he said.

"We are confident CDMA will meet the coverage and service needs of our valued customers living in metropolitan and rural regions who currently rely on the analogue network," Mr Simpson said. Telstra plans to launch the CDMA service across Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra during September, as well as a number of regional locations during October 1999.

A direct mail campaign has now commenced to current Telstra analogue customers with a personalised special offer tailored to their needs.

"This offer includes a range of competitively priced CDMA handsets. As an example, an analogue customer choosing to connect to Flexi-Plan 35, would pay just $29** to purchase a LG 330W handset," Mr Simpson said.

"In addition to the low priced handsets and as a special welcome for all analogue customers to the new network, all MobileNet CDMA national calls* will be charged at Off Peak rates, 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the end of this year."

"Apart from a saving of up to 50 per cent on standard call rates*, Telstra's new Flexi-Plan rates will apply, which include pay by the second billing, a flat call rate across Australia regardless of distance and as part of the monthly access fee, some free calls are included," Mr Simpson said. CDMA will offer customers security to protect against voice eavesdropping, voice clarity and other additional features not available to analogue customers.

Telstra CDMA customers will now enjoy access to enhanced services such as Calling Number Display, MessageBank and Easycall. Telstra also expects to offer CDMA customers fax and data services and text messaging before the end of 1999.

In line with network availability, participating Telstra metropolitan dealers, retailers and Telstra Shops will be the first to stock CDMA products. CDMA will become available through all participating Telstra dealers, retailers and Telstra Shops across Australia by October, 1999.

*Available for standard calls to home, business and mobile phones within Australia. Plus 15 cent call connection fee applies.
** Minimum cost for customers who stay connected for 12 months is $449, plus call costs and any applicable GST.

Sprint Brings The Power of The Wireless Internet to The Palm of Your Hand With The Introduction of The Sprint PCS Wireless Web

New Wireless Data Offerings Feature Sprint PCS Wireless Web Browser, Sprint PCS Wireless Web Updates from Yahoo!, Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection And The Introduction of The Sprint PCS Phone NP1000 'Smartphone' Manufactured By NeoPoint, Inc.

Chicago, IL, August 11, 1999 -- Sprint today announced a bold entry into the wireless data arena with the introduction of the Sprint PCS Wireless Web, a suite of simple, user-friendly wireless data products and services. The Sprint PCS Wireless Web will be available nationwide throughout the Sprint PCS network* in late September. Unlike recent announcements by other carriers, this is not a test or a partial data offering. It's complete, and it's ready now! The Sprint PCS Wireless Web represents a pivotal development in the company's effort to offer consumers and businesses a single clear and simple tool for all of their wireless voice and data communications needs. The Sprint PCS Wireless Web features three distinct offerings that will allow consumers and business users to access the information they need -- when they need it -- anywhere on the all-digital Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network:

-- SPRINT PCS WIRELESS WEB BROWSER: Sprint PCS customers whose phones are equipped with a simplified Phone.com microbrowser designed especially for wireless phones will be able to connect to select Internet-based content "real time," whenever they want, using their Sprint PCS Phones to interactively browse special text-only versions of popular web sites. Sprint PCS has licensed the Phone.com UP.Link Server Suite, which enables the microbrowser functionality on Sprint PCS Phones. Via partnerships with industry-leading content providers of weather, news and travel, Sprint PCS customers will be able to stay in touch with important, personalized information while "on the go."

-- SPRINT PCS WIRELESS WEB UPDATES FROM YAHOO! This service allows customers to receive automatic updates straight from Yahoo! directly on their Sprint PCS Phones. The customized updates from Yahoo! include such topic areas as sports, weather reports, stock quotes, horoscopes and news headlines. Users simply set up a personalized page on the Yahoo! website (using any computer with Internet access), and select in advance what updates they want and what time(s) they want to receive the updates on their Sprint PCS Phones. This service operates as part of the Sprint PCS Short Messaging Service which is currently available to all Sprint PCS customers.

-- SPRINT PCS WIRELESS WEB CONNECTION: Sprint PCS customers will be able to do virtually anything they do today while tethered to a wireline modem -- "on the go," and wirelessly. Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection will allow users with laptops, palmtops or other personal digital assistants (PDAs) to connect to the nation's largest all- digital, all-PCS nationwide wireless network. Designed with the mobile workforce in mind, connectivity is the latest offering within The Sprint PCS Clear Wireless Workplace -- a suite of simple, flexible wireless business solutions. Connection allows Sprint PCS customers to use their Sprint PCS Phones in place of a modem to connect to their important, personal information tools and corporate networking content, such as email, schedules, task lists, contacts/address books, order forms and key documents.

Unlike the complicated and expensive wireless data offerings of the past, pricing for the Sprint PCS Wireless Web will follow the same clear and simple value-oriented principles that Sprint PCS has brought to voice calling. Sprint PCS customers may add Sprint PCS Wireless Web services to their current price plans $29.99 and above for a flat rate of just $9.99 per month. Additionally, Sprint PCS will offer a range of Sprint PCS Wireless Web Options that include both voice and data minutes in a single bundle, enabling customers to mix and match their voice and data minutes as needed.

"We're sending the message loud and clear that Sprint PCS is Internet ready when you are," said Andrew Sukawaty, Sprint PCS president. "Several things separate the Sprint PCS Wireless Web from the competition. It's simple to use with easy to understand pricing. It's available nationwide on our all- digital, all-PCS network. And it works with all types of devices, including Sprint PCS phones, laptops, PDAs and smartphones. Our approach to wireless data is defined by the same clarity, nationwide coverage and value propositions that have made Sprint PCS the fastest growing wireless carrier in the United States for three consecutive quarters."

Sprint PCS Is First Carrier to Offer Much-Anticipated "Smartphone" Manufactured by NeoPoint, Inc.
Sukawaty added that one of the phones expected to have substantial consumer appeal with the launch of The Sprint PCS Wireless Web is the much- anticipated Sprint PCS NP1000 "Smartphone" manufactured by NeoPoint, Inc. Sprint PCS today announced that it will be the first U.S. wireless carrier to offer the Sprint PCS NP1000 -- a feature-rich, compact device that integrates a personal digital assistant (PDA) and wireless phone to offer advanced features like an Internet microbrowser, real-time email capabilities, contacts, personal scheduler, to-do list, wireless modem, voice-command dialing capabilities and crystal-clear voice calling. The Softsync Plus software (included) enables customers to synchronize information on the phone with a variety of desktop personal information managers, such as Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Organizer or ACT. Expected to be available in September, the Sprint PCS NP1000 will have a suggested retail price of $399.

"We're pleased to announce this exciting offer with NeoPoint, Inc., to bring the Sprint PCS NP1000 to our customers," said Sukawaty. "This phone is most certainly one of the year's 'must have' devices and a prime example of our commitment to wireless data and its applications."

"By being the first to offer the Sprint PCS NP1000 in the United States, a feature-rich, compact, affordable smartphone, Sprint PCS is providing its customers with nationwide, premium access to wireless information services," said William Son, CEO and president of NeoPoint. "Sprint PCS clearly is a leading-edge wireless service provider and together, NeoPoint and Sprint PCS are at the forefront in delivering advanced products and services. The Sprint PCS NP1000 delivers what consumers need and want - a great, clear CDMA digital wireless phone that also offers convenient access to the latest information resources available today such as the Internet and email, plus outstanding organizational capabilities through its built-in personal scheduler."

In addition to offering the Sprint PCS NP1000, Sprint PCS is making it easy for its customers to access wireless data on nearly any Sprint PCS Phone. All Sprint PCS Phones have text messaging capabilities -- such as the existing Sprint PCS Short Messaging Services and numeric paging -- and automatically will be capable of supporting Sprint PCS Wireless Web Updates from Yahoo! Most Sprint PCS Phones launched in 1999 and beyond will feature microbrowser and mobile connectivity capabilities out of the box. Additionally, many older Sprint PCS Phones can be connectivity-enabled with a simple software upgrade and the purchase of a Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection Kit (one modest cable and Sprint PCS Dialer software). And, later this year, Sprint PCS will offer new smartphones, such as QUALCOMM's new Internet-capable pdQ. In simplest terms, the Sprint PCS Wireless Web won't require expensive and elaborate computer accessories or network alterations to work.

"Business users and consumers will be amazed by how affordable and simple it will be to access select text-based Internet information or dial up their corporate network remotely," said Charles Levine, chief sales and marketing officer for Sprint PCS. "Customers can begin to connect wirelessly in a matter of minutes, without the frustration often associated with new software. Users can connect today in the exact same way that they used to dial in with a wall-mounted telephone jack."

The Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection Kit enables a customer to access information simply by connecting one end of the cable to the serial port on most popular portable computing devices (such as a laptop, Palm Pilot, Windows CE device or other PDA) and the other end to the port on the Sprint PCS Phone. No special changes are needed on the corporate network or "back end" for the customer to use connectivity to access information "real time." The Sprint PCS Dialer software contains a user-friendly installation wizard and diagnostic "troubleshooting" tools which identify possible connection errors and solutions. According to Levine, Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection is expected to have the most appeal among business users, but, as with Sprint PCS Wireless Web Browser and Sprint PCS Wireless Web Updates from Yahoo!, any Sprint PCS customer may select this service.

The Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection Kit has a suggested retail price of $199.99 and will include a simple cable, user guide and Sprint PCS Dialer software. Through December 31, 1999, Sprint PCS customers who sign up for one of the Sprint PCS Wireless Web "all in one" voice/data options $59.99 and above may purchase the connection kit for just $29.99. Additionally, Sprint PCS is offering the connection kit at a special introductory price of $99.99 through the end of the year to customers who purchase the kit without selecting an "all-in-one" voice/data option.

Sprint Announces Exclusive Availability of Web Enabled, Dual-Band Touchpoint Phone(TM)

The 'Phone With the Mouse' Now Offers an Internal Modem Capability for Data And Fax Connections on Sprint PCS Nationwide Network

Kansas City, Mo, August 11, 1999-- Sprint today announced the nationwide availability of the Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone(TM) manufactured by DENSO Wireless and provided to customers exclusively by Sprint PCS. This powerful, dual-band phone with micro-browser will offer the ability to access the Internet plus, is simple to use with its built-in mouse that allows easy navigation through menus and functions. With improved features and a suggested retail price of $199.99, the Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone(TM) provides callers a simple, affordable way to enjoy the clarity of voice and data with the assurance of uninterrupted coverage no matter where they travel. Sprint PCS operates the nation's largest, 100-percent digital, 100-percent PCS nationwide network.

Sprint PCS recently announced agreements with Phone.com and Yahoo! that will enable Sprint PCS to bring to its customers a variety of select Internet information content as well as offer Yahoo!(R) Web content and services to Sprint PCS phones. These services are expected to be available nationwide to Sprint PCS customers later this year.

The Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone(TM) features an internal modem capability which allows customers to connect to important personal information tools and corporate networking content, such as e-mail, schedules and task lists. Additionally, with the introduction of Sprint PCS wireless data services, the Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone(TM) will allow users to connect to the Internet to interactively browse versions of favorite web sites via a micro-browser. With its large, easy-to-read display screen and mouse-like navigation feature, this phone is ideal for Internet browsing and text messaging.

The new and improved Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone(TM) is easy to use, yet incredibly sophisticated and powerful. Some of its enhanced features from the single-band Touchpoint Phone(TM) include longer battery life, the ability to scroll up and down with the "mouse," more ringer options (includes silent vibrating ringer), a phone book label for data entries, a calculator, and three games.

"The Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone is a highly-functional wireless data product and is the perfect phone for the integration of Sprint PCS' clear voice and data services in one device," said Charles Levine, chief sales and marketing officer for Sprint PCS. "As the mobile workforce continues to grow, being able to connect and communicate clearly anytime, anywhere is a valuable asset. Sprint PCS makes this simple by extending the clarity of voice to the data world while providing superior coverage at an affordable price. "

"With the launch of the Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone DENSO is pleased to take another step in our long-term initiative to manufacture highly-reliable, technically-advanced products for Sprint PCS," said Roy Nakaue, executive vice president for DENSO Sales California, Inc. "The Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone innovatively combines enhanced features like data/fax and dual-band capabilities, while keeping the same small size and relative weight of the single-band phone."

In digital mode, the Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone(TM) provides up to 3.25 hours of continuous talk time or up to 130 hours of stand-by time with its standard lithium ion battery. In analog mode, the battery provides up to 1 hour of continuous talk time or up to 15 hours of stand-by time. The optional extended lithium ion battery (purchased separately) provides up to 5 hours of talk time or 220 hours of stand-by time in digital mode; or 1.7 hours of talk time or 25 hours of stand-by time in analog mode.

This compact, lightweight phone is the lightest dual-band phone from Sprint PCS, weighing just 5.5 ounces with the standard lithium ion battery and 6.1 ounces with the extended lithium ion battery. The Dual-Band Sprint PCS Touchpoint Phone(TM) is packaged with a standard lithium-ion battery, a desktop charging stand and a separate AC adapter that can be used as a travel charger (the phone has a built-in rapid charger).

AAPT adds to CDMA spectrum for A$25 mln

Sydney, Aug 10, 1999 (Reuters) -- Telecoms group AAPT Ltd said on Tuesday it has acquiried additional CDMA spectrum through the purchase of OzPhone Pty Ltd, a unit of Leap Wireless Inc., for A$25 million. AAPT said the purchase would increase its cover for the mobile phone technology by about about three million people to a total population of nearly 10 million people.

The OzPhone spectrum covers 5.86 million people in Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Mackay, Maryborough, Grafton, Tasmania, regional West Australia, remote Queensland and remote West Australia.

"This is a valuable investment for us as it increases both the breadth and the depth of our existing CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) coverage," said AAPT group director, strategic development, Steve Picton. AAPT would double its capacity in Brisbane and Perth from five to 10 megahertz, and already had 10 megahertz in Adelaide, he said.

Its spectrum now covered all of Queensland and Tasmania.

"This increased capacity in our network will enable us to improve our network efficiencies as well as provide high levels of mobile data and Internet services," Picton said.

"It also provides us with the backbone to carry high-speed third generation wireless data services in the future."

AAPT won rights to CDMA spectrum in auctions in May last year, covering about 6.5 million people in areas including Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and regional South Australia and Victoria.

The company said last month it had narrowed its choice of an equipment supplier to roll out the network, but had not made a final decision. AAPT shares were down nine cents at A$4.66 a share in afternoon trade.

Copyright 1999, Reuters News Service

Telecom [New Zealand] Customers to Benefit From New Mobile Phone Technology

New Zealand, August 4, 1999 -- Telecom is set to take its mobile phone customers into the new on-line era with the adoption of the cdmaOne digital technology. cdmaOne is a patented technology based on the generic radio technology known as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). This multiple access radio technology offers a high quality digital cellular service and enables high capacity, high-speed mobile data.

"This decision follows extensive international research on the best options available, which enabled us to see the technology mature, and to also observe the deployment of CDMA on a global basis," said Telecom's Network Group General Manager David Bedford. "Virtually all cellular technology paths lead to CDMA including GSM. Our existing digital network provides a high quality voice service, but we need to ensure that in the future our cellular network meets all the requirements of our customers, including the need for high-speed, quality mobile data. "CDMA technology is the choice of a large number of operators in other countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and our nearest neighbour Australia.

"The mobile phone market is growing at a rapid rate and customers are wanting increasingly sophisticated features. With cdmaOne, Telecom will be able to make a seamless transition to the Third Generation world of higher data rates and this will enable Telecom to offer the broadest range of data and voice products and services to our customers. "Telecom will continue to support and invest in our existing D-AMPS and analogue networks, in co-operation with our current cellular supplier Ericsson. This is an important relationship we intend to retain. "Telecom plans to commercially launch cdmaOne in early 2001 and customers will be migrated onto the cdmaOne network as is convenient to them. "Meanwhile, customers can be assured that our existing networks will be fully operational and our CDPD network currently provides the only packet cellular data service available.

"The transition to CDMA is being designed to be as smooth as possible, by providing customers with an attractive upgrade path to CDMA. Existing customer services, including Pre-Paid will be able to be supported on the new network. A wide range of phones will also be available from world-renowned brands.

"For the provision of CDMA technology, Telecom will be commencing negotiations with prospective vendors soon.

"cdmaOne will provide Telecom with a platform for strong future growth by offering a leading and comprehensive range of products and services to equip our customers for their communication, business and on-line needs well into the 21st Century."

Airtouch Launches All-Digital Mobile Internet Service; Net Access is fastest wireless data service offered by a major U.S. cellular carrier—and includes a direct connection to Internet

San Francisco, CA, July 29, 1999 -- AirTouch Cellular today launched Net Access, an all-digital service that lets travelers and mobile workers cut the tether to their desktops and access the Internet, online services or corporate networks while on the go. Armed with a laptop computer and a data-ready AirTouch digital phone, customers in Michigan, Salt Lake City and Seattle can now enjoy the freedom and convenience of Net Access, the fastest and most convenient wireless information service offered by a major U.S. cellular carrier. AirTouch plans to extend the service across most of its footprint by the first quarter of next year. Users at airports, client sites or even the beach can now send and receive e-mail, files and faxes; access their company’s intranet; update contacts and schedules; and use the Internet to check a customer’s Web site, monitor news and stock prices and review airline schedules—all without having to plug into a telephone line. Net Access is the first of several planned Mobile Internet offerings from AirTouch. Products coming soon will include wireless portal services that work with handheld smart phones and personal digital assistants to facilitate a variety of mobile messaging, information and e-commerce services. "In today’s fast-paced world, Net Access will help you stay in touch, manage information more productively and balance your life," said Arun Sarin, CEO of the U.S./Asia-Pacific region of Vodafone AirTouch Plc, AirTouch’s parent company. "It promises to be as revolutionary for personal information access and management as cellular was for voice communications." Unlike previous wireless data access services, Net Access doesn’t require an expensive wireless modem. It works with new data-ready digital phones such as the sleek, lightweight and inexpensive Qualcomm 860 Thin Phone, which AirTouch is the first cellular carrier to offer. (Compatible handsets from other vendors will be available later this year.) The phone, connected to your laptop with a simple serial cable (available from AirTouch), is all you need—the service requires no other hardware or special software. Net Access provides a speedier and much more reliable connection than older analog-based wireless services. The service offers the fastest data throughput commercially available from any major U.S. cellular or PCS carrier and is more than adequate for text-based applications such as e-mail or most Web browsing. In addition, Net Access connects you directly to the Internet exceptionally fast—typically in fewer than 10 seconds, according to our tests, compared to as much as 30 seconds for dial-up access from your desktop. "With its promise of broad geographic coverage, Net Access will be an invaluable tool for many professionals and business people who can’t afford to wait to access vital information," said Andrew Seybold, mobile communications analyst and publisher of Andrew Seybold’s Outlook. "The service is affordable, easy to use, and will set customers free from the tether of telephone lines while they’re on the go." The service is priced for now at the same airtime rates as voice communications. While connected to Net Access, customers can use the minutes they already have in their monthly bundle.

GTE provides sneak preview in Tampa of coming work-anywhere wireless Internet, fax, e-mail services; to be available in 26 cities this fall.

Atlanta, GA, July 29, 1999 -- Got phone? Got office! GTE today gave a sneak preview of new wireless services which, beginning in October, will help people handle office tasks out of the office with a little help from a wireless digital phone. At the company's Technology Solutions Center in Tampa, Fla., GTE demonstrated services that will link people to e-mail, web-browsing, calendar and contact information - using digital phones linked to laptops, browser-equipped phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs).

GTE expects to introduce the services this fall in Akron, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; Austin, Texas; Birmingham and Huntsville, Ala.; Bloomington, Ind.; Greensboro and Raleigh, N.C.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind.; Lexington and Louisville, Ky.; Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga, Tenn.; Norfolk, Richmond and Roanoke, Va.; San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; and Fort Myers and Tampa, Fla.

"People are already carrying pagers, laptops and cell phones. But they still have to rush back to the office to file a report, place an order or check e-mail. These services let you place the order at your client's office, check e-mail in your parked car, or file your sales report waiting for a client at a coffee shop," said Rob Keller, director of business marketing for GTE Wireless.

The new services, combined with GTE's upgraded digital network, promise to make wireless computing easy, affordable, and immediately useful. "Now, a digital phone links directly to a laptop with a simple cable. No need to purchase a separate cellular-capable modem that could cost anywhere from $250 to $400. No need for a computer science degree to hook it up and make it work," said Keller. "In addition to purchasing new data service, all the customer has to buy is a new digital phone and a cable.

"Workers want mobility. No one wants to feel chained to the office anymore. By the middle of next year, we expect every phone we ship will be able to access the web," added Keller. "We expect these phones and cables to fly off our stores' shelves. Getting the cable to hook it up to their laptop will be a routine part of the transaction."

Trends toward worker mobility, abundance of mobility tools.
There are an estimated 32.4 million workers in the United States who spend 20 percent or more of their time away from their desks or primary work environment (Sherwood Research). According to the Yankee Group, over the next five years, that number will double. Among Fortune 1000 companies recently surveyed by the Yankee Group, 26 percent provide wireless messaging for mobile workers today. Among those that do not, 23 percent plan to do so within one year. Seventy-five percent of wireless phone users also access the Internet, while 30 percent of wireless phone users are also portable computer users.

"The industry has been waiting for the day when wireless computing becomes easy and affordable. GTE has been quietly preparing to offer services that will be easy and immediately useful. There is enormous opportunity here, for both GTE and millions of people who need or want to spend time away from their desks," said Roberta Wiggins, director, wireless mobile communications, the Yankee Group. Of today's nearly 70 million U.S.-based wireless customers, approximately 1.8 million use the wireless network to transmit data today, primarily using laptops with remote dial-up service (Yankee Group, 1999).

In addition to showing the ease of linking a digital phone to a laptop, representatives from Wireless Knowledge demonstrated the RevolvSM service. With the Revolv service, mobile professionals can securely retrieve and send e-mail and have access to calendar and contact information from their company's Microsoftâ Exchange server from a variety of mobile devices, including a digital phone with built-in browser, personal digital assistant or laptop. In long meetings, or sitting on an airplane, workers can subtly and efficiently handle e-mails by pushing one button to either reply with a short "canned" e-mail response or push another button to instantly call the sender. GTE is currently testing the Revolv service and plans to begin customer trials next month.

"Having important information revolving around you at all times has become increasingly critical as professionals are spending less time tethered to their desktops and more time on the road," said Dave Whalen, vice president of sales and marketing for Wireless Knowledge. "We are extremely excited that GTE Wireless is making wireless data a reality and that the Revolv service is contributing to that momentum."

Services will be available at all company retail stores, and through most GTE Wireless sales channels. Coverage will initially be limited to the GTE Wireless digital coverage areas in those cities. Prices will vary based on which capabilities subscribers choose.

Vendor News

Ericsson signs first CDMA infrastructure contract with Mirror S.A. in Brazil

Brazil, August 31, 1999 -- Ericsson was awarded a wireless access equipment contract valued at up to USD 200 million with Mirror S.A. for the largest planned Wireless Local Loop (WLL) deployment in Latin America.

The cdmaOne™ network will help Mirror S.A. fulfill its commitments to ANATEL, the Brazilian telecom regulatory agency, by relieving demand for basic telecommunication services in Brazil.

Ericsson will begin deployment immediately in the East, North and Northeast regions of Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. WLL allows for a rapid installation, compared to wireline telephony, which means that consumers will have quick access to high quality, reliable telephone service through Mirror's cdmaOne WLL network as early as December 1999.

The contract includes Ericsson's 1900 MHz Radio Base Stations (RBS) 1106 Compact, CMS 11 Base Station Controllers (BSC), and a full portfolio of services including network design, deployment and training. The RBS 1106 Compact offers macrocell performance in a microcell package, enabling flexible, cost-effective network deployments.

The CMS 11 BSC, which leads the industry in commercial open interface solutions, will utilize the Interoperability Specification (IOS) to connect to Mirror S.A.'s chosen switch platform. Open interfaces provide operators with increased choice in selecting network elements that best meet their needs.

"Ericsson's first new cdmaOne contract with Mirror, S.A. represents a significant step forward in bringing major cdmaOne WLL deployments to fruition and reinforces Ericsson's long-term commitment to cdmaOne technology," said Åke Persson, head of Ericsson's CDMA Systems business unit.

cdmaOne is one of the fastest growing wireless technologies in the world, currently serving close to 35 million subscribers. Ericsson's cdmaOne networks deliver the full advantages of CDMA technology for strong performance in mobile, fixed and data applications. cdmaOne networks offer a clear migration path to CDMA2000, enabling operators to evolve their networks to provide the full range of third generation services.

SAFCO Completes Wireless Network Benchmarking Survey in Washington, D.C. Strong Showing for CDMA Voice Quality

Chicago, IL, August 30, 1999 -- Using its industry leading Portable VoicePrint™ system, SAFCO Technologies Inc., a Salient3 Communications company, recently completed an eight-day, 2,000 mile survey of seven major wireless networks in Washington, D.C. The study encompassed the area within the I-495 beltway including all interstates, U.S. highways, state routes and major thoroughfares. Over 18,000 calls were placed across these networks during the survey period.

In the study, the carriers were compared using the four major categories of Voice Quality (EMOS - electronic mean opinion score), Performance (dropped calls), Capacity (blocked calls) and Coverage (no service). In addition to these parameters, SAFCO measured key engineering metrics for each technology. The best mean voice quality score, 3.47 (on a scale of one to five with five being the best), was achieved by one of the CDMA networks. All of the digital networks measured - iDEN®, TDMA (IS-136) and CDMA - exhibited strong voice quality performance. The analog networks did not perform as well in voice quality as any of the digital networks in the market. The dropped and blocked call rates were competitive, with five of the seven networks performing better than 2.5 percent. Additionally, all operators measured provided sufficient coverage to initiate calls reliably, although one operator suffered a 3.5 percent "no service" condition.

SAFCO also compared the performance of these seven networks to over 100 other networks measured within the United States and internationally. "The digital networks in Washington, D.C., performed quite favorably against worldwide standards for all four categories - voice quality, performance, capacity and coverage," reported Marty Singer, SAFCO president and chief executive officer. SAFCO's surveys show that voice quality alone is not always the key to a winning network, but that the entire network must perform well as a complete system by providing good coverage, adequate radio resources, optimized networks and superior voice quality. For example, one of the TDMA networks had the best "dropped call" performance, losing less than one-half of one percent of all calls. Indeed, the best overall carrier (rating of 89 out of 100) did not have the best voice quality score.

Network benchmarking not only provides valuable information to operators, vendors, financial institutions, tower management firms, industry trade groups and consumer groups, but also provides marketing intelligence necessary to remain competitive and informed in the rapidly changing world of telecommunications.

Samsung and Sprint Sign Agreement to Trial Third Generation Wireless Telecommmunication Technology; Test to Focus on New Data-based Features and Services

Dallas, TX, Aug. 30, 1999 -- Samsung Telecommunications America (STA) and Sprint today announced they have signed an agreement to begin trials using Samsung's 3rd Generation (3G) Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. Scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2000, this will be Sprint PCS' first trial of 3G technology. The trial, which will showcase future data applications, will take place at the Sprint PCS Technology Integration Center (STIC), located in Lenexa, Kan. The technology trial is designed to test and confirm 3G's capability of providing advanced data-based features and services, and to determine what kinds of services 3G technology is best able to provide. The multiphase trial is planned to evaluate how the new technology can provide increased network capacity and high-speed data capability. This trial is the first of several planned trials that Sprint PCS will be conducting with its vendor partners.

"We are pleased that Samsung can meet our aggressive goals for testing 3G technology," said Oliver Valente, vice president of Technology and Advanced Systems Development at Sprint PCS. "The company's ability to provide us with such highly advanced technology so quickly is further proof of Samsung's leadership and innovation in the telecommunications industry."

The agreement calls for Samsung to supply a 3G trial system. The system will have three fully integrated asynchronous transfer mode-(ATM) ready Base Transceiver Stations, a Base Station Controller, and a Mobile Switching Center that are based on next-generation wireless infrastructure technology. By using ATM-based technology within the wireless environment, carriers will be able to use their networks more efficiently by mixing voice and circuit switch data with packet switched data. The result is increased capacity and faster transmission speeds.

"As the demand for wireless data increases, so will the demand on a carrier's systems," said John Csapo, vice president for Samsung's Wireless Systems Laboratory. "We believe this trial will illustrate a logical migration from 2G to the advanced capabilities of 3G. We are pleased to be Sprint PCS' partner in this important evaluation process, and we believe that this trial will prove the reliability and capabilities of our products."

Samsung's V.4 technology accommodates already deployed 2G CDMA, or cdmaOne(tm) technology that supports handsets already in use as well as 3G CDMA technology for future generations of handsets. This trial also will prove the interoperability of Samsung's technology by using handsets from various manufacturers.

Canbrá Awards Nortel Networks an Estimated US$500 Million Contract To Build Brazil's First Alternative Telecommunications Network

Unified Networks solution spanning data and telephony to reach Rio de Janeiro and 15 other states in the east coast and northern part of Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 16, 1999 -- Canbrá (Mirror S.A.) has awarded Nortel Networks a five-year contract worth an estimated US$500 million, for a Unified Networks solution that will deliver advanced data and telephony services in Rio de Janeiro and 15 other east coast and northern states in Brazil. Nortel Networks will design and build a turnkey network solution for Canbrá, including Nortel Networks Proximity II and cdmaOne fixed wireless access equipment, digital switching systems, Optical Internet solutions, PBX and call center equipment. Deployment will begin immediately in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Bahia, followed by deployment in the other 13 states of Canbra's region. Commercial service is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 1999.

"Nortel Networks was one of the network providers to offer the set of attributes we were looking for - cutting edge fixed wireless and CDMA technology, extensive experience in building integrated networks, a strong knowledge of the Latin American market and the ability to deliver networks quickly," said Francisco de Assis, vice-president of engineering, Canbrá. "The privatization and deregulation of Brazil's telecommunications industry have brought world-class services and features to Brazilian customers," said Dan Hunt, president, Nortel Networks CALA (Caribbean and Latin America). "We're proud to be providing Canbrá the technology that will enable them to meet customers' expectations. This underscores our leadership in Unified Networks solutions, and our strength in the region."

Canbrá was awarded a "mirror company" (alternative) license to compete with Telemar, one of the companies formed as a result of the privatization of the former Telebras system. Upon completion, the Canbrá network will reach 51 municipalities in an area - with a combined population of more 87 million people - and approximately five million square kilometers (3.1 million square miles), roughly half the size of continental United States. Nortel Networks' wireless solutions will cover more than 84 percent of Brazil's territory.

Canbrá was formed by Bell Canada International (34.4 percent), US-based VeloCom Inc., formerly WLL International (34.4 percent), and QUALCOMM (16.2 percent), Argentina-based Grupo Liberman (12.5 percent), and Taquari Participações (2.5 percent) from Brazil.

Brazil's Telesp Celular Signs Contracts for US$59 Million With Lucent Technologies to Expand CDMA Wireless Network

Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 11, 1999 -- Lucent Technologies today announced that it has signed a contract totaling US$59 million with Telesp Celular, which is owned by Portugal Telecom, to expand the company's wireless network based on code division multiple access (CDMA) in the cities of Santos and Guaruja, state of Sao Paulo.

Under the terms of this contract, Lucent Technologies is providing three Mobile Switching Centers using the 5ESS® switching platform, and more than 100 Autoplex® System 1000 Series II cell sites, as well as technical expertise and support services. The digital cell sites for this project will be manufactured at the Lucent manufacturing facility in Campinas, Brazil.

"We are delighted that Telesp Celular continues to reward us with new business as their preferred technology provider in their network expansions," said Jose Roberto Campos, vice president of Lucent Technologies in Brazil. Lucent already has deployed CDMA systems for Telesp Celular in the cities of Bauru, Marilia and Presidente Prudente, and is currently completing CDMA overlay of existing systems and expanding the networks in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo and other municipalities in the interior of the state.

"Serving a customer of the size of Telesp Celular, which covers the entire state of Sao Paulo, the largest cellular region in the country, requires great attention to quality, speed and customer service," added Campos. "We are proud to provide the highest quality of service to our customer and its subscribers, thus contributing to the successful expansion of Telesp Celular's business."

Lucent's 5ESS Switch is a large-scale, software-based digital switching system that delivers any media from one platform. This capability allows service providers to offer any service-local, long distance, voice, data, or video-over any network-wireless or wireline. Its new 7R/E Packet Driver provides a smooth gateway to packet networks, allowing service providers to merge their voice and data networks as one. The 5ESS Switch currently serves more than 104 million lines and 48 million trunks from four thousand host switches in more than 50 countries worldwide. The Autoplex System 1000 Series II cell sites will be equipped with digital radios using the cdmaOne technology. This wireless technology, based on the IS-95 CDMA standard, provides increased call capacity and enhanced call quality that is comparable to landline service.

LGIC Announces New Phones

Seoul, Korea August 9, 1999 -- In May, LG Information & Communications (LGIC) came out with the Pentium-class Michelle and Power L300 cellular phones with a next-generation MSM-3000 chip. LGIC recently unveiled a PCS handset (model: LGP-6600F) that also has the Pentium capability.

High-density integration design technology was applied to create the LGP-6600F, which weighs just 75 grams (with the regular capacity battery) and is only 25 mm thick. With the regular battery, continuous talk time is 200 minutes and 170 hours in standby mode, while the large-capacity battery delivers 300 minutes of continuous talk time and 250 hours of standby.

The sophisticated MSM-3000 chip in the LGP-6600F provides outstanding data access speed. Future software upgrades will enable wireless data access through the IS-95B networks currently in use by wireless service providers. This multi-function PCS phone can also be connected to a notebook or desktop PC for faster data transmission and reception, can check email and can access the Internet.

It also features an improvement over the standard Personal Information Management function found in other PCS handsets. There are five "secretarial" functions, including one that can manage up to 200 contact names and numbers as well as a schedule manager that handles as many as 80 entries.

Qualcomm set to launch in Australia

Sydney, August 9, 1999 (Reuters) -- U.S. digital wireless phone maker Qualcomm Inc will begin promoting itself in Australia in coming weeks as it prepares to sell mobile telephone handsets into the new CDMA market. Qualcomm had signed a non-exclusive agreement to provide Australia's leading telco Telstra Corp with CDMA-compatible handsets, senior vice-president sales and marketing David McDowell said on Monday.

Telstra plans to introduce CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) to replace its existing analogue network, which is due to be phased out at the end of 2000.

Telstra senior product manager Greg Young said Qualcomm handsets would be among its product range, with the CDMA service due to be launched "in the next month or so."

CDMA is a competitor to existing GSM (Global System for Mobiles) mobile technology, but offers more capacity for data services and a better quality voice service.

Qualcomm, which developed much of the CDMA technology, is the biggest single seller of handsets in the United States, facing its main competition from manufacturers in South Korea, where the system is in widespread use.

Telstra plans to migrate up to 900,000 analogue users to CDMA, while smaller telcos Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Ltd and AAPT Ltd also plan to build CDMA networks.

McDowell told a briefing Qualcomm was in talks with Hutchison, but has not yet had talks with AAPT.

Copyright 1999, Reuters News Service

Nortel Networks Extended Range CDMA "Boomer" Cell Ready for Prime Time Telstra Will Deploy First to Help Meet Australia's Unique Rural Coverage Needs

Dallas, TX, August 5, 1999 -- Nortel Networks today announced commercial availability of the industry's longest-range 800 MHz cdmaOne* base station - the Nortel Networks CDMA Rural Cell. Designed to improve the economics of rural digital cellular service, the Nortel Networks CDMA Rural Cell can provide a coverage radius up to 180 kilometers under suitable conditions, more than 10 times the range of a typical CDMA base station. Nicknamed "Boomer" Cell, this pioneering technology was first demonstrated in March at Nortel Networks' Wireless Solutions lab in Ottawa, Ontario. Recent field trials with Telstra in Australia have achieved coverage in excess of 120 kilometers on land and 130 kilometers for marine service under typical conditions, using standard CDMA handsets and car kits. "CDMA is achieving coverage at distances just not available from other land-based digital technologies," said Jonathan Marchbank, managing director, mobiles, Telstra.

"The 'Boomer' Cell maintained excellent voice quality during testing, and proved that it will have the capacity and performance to meet the present and future requirements of Telstra's regional and rural customers," Marchbank said. The Nortel Networks "Boomer" Cell can reduce the number of cell sites required to provide rural coverage by as much as 50 percent, making it much more economical for operators to deploy, operate and maintain service for residents and roamers in sparsely populated areas. "We're pushing the envelope to provide the broadest possible coverage, making CDMA an attractive proposition for rural mobile - and potentially fixed - service," said Dave Murashige, vice-president, marketing and product line management, Wireless Solutions, Nortel Networks. With vast rural areas and a well-known native - the kangaroo - nicknamed "boomer" as well, Australia will fittingly see first commercial deployment of the "Boomer" Cell in the fourth quarter of this year as part of a nationwide CDMA network buildout already underway for Telstra. General availability is scheduled for the second quarter of 2000.

LG Provides First CDMA Handset Certified by CTIA

San Diego, CA, August 3, 1999 -- LG Information and Communications, Ltd. announces that its LGC-330W dual-mode digital cellular phone is the first CDMA wireless phone to pass the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association's (CTIA) rigorous certification program requirements. The CTIA CDMA Certification Program, which was launched in May of 1998, was established to ensure subscriber satisfaction with CDMA wireless handsets and their performance on carrier networks, incorporating extensive testing based on industry standards IS-98, and ANSI J-STD-008.

"LGIC is proud to be the first CDMA handset manufacturer presented with this prestigious certification, said Y.B. Shim, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for LG's North American Sales and Marketing Division. "The CTIA certification seal confirms to carriers, retailers and consumers that they can be confident that the performance and quality of the LGC-330W is of the highest level, meeting and exceeding the industry's performance standards." The LGC-330W is a state-of-the-art dual-mode CDMA cellular phone. Small and light and attractively designed, it fits easily into today's active lifestyle. The LGC-330W has flip activation and provides a range of important features including vibration alert, selectable ring and melodies, and a 99 speed dial number phone book. It also support advanced digital network features such as caller ID, short messaging service, voice mail notification and digital data. LG offers a full range of accessories for the LGC-330W, including a handsfree mobile kit.

QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies Participates in Korea Telecom Freetel's Demonstration of High-Speed Packet Data Trials on World's First IS-95B Network; MSM3000 Chipset Provides World's Fastest Wireless Internet Access and Data Transfer Rates

San Diego, CA, August 2, 1999 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated, pioneer and world leader of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless technology, today announced its participation in high-speed packet data trials on Korea Telecom Freetel's (KT Freetel) advanced CDMA technology network, the first IS-95B network in the world. This demonstration, using QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies' MSM3000(tm) chip and high-speed system software solution, shows how KT Freetel's IS-95B network will help expedite a global evolution from wireless voice communications to wireless Internet access, high-speed data services as well as the highest quality voice services. MSM3000-based CDMA handsets will transfer data over KT Freetel's advanced network at speeds of up to 64 kbps, which is faster than existing fixed line networks and more than four times as fast as existing wireless networks. "This demonstration was made possible by contributions from many influential members of our industry including QUALCOMM and Samsung Electronics," said Dr. Hong, Won-Pyo, vice president, planning and coordination group of KT Freetel. "The MSM3000 chipset is an instrumental component in our initiative to provide a new era of Personal Network Services to our Korean customers."

"These high-speed data packet trials are testament to a new breed of wireless Internet access and data transfer capabilities that are possible with the newest generation of our customers' CDMA handsets," said Don Schrock, president of QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "Our MSM3000 system solution is the first in a series of chip and software solutions that will enable the build-out of high-speed data-capable networks around the world." QUALCOMM's industry-leading MSM3000, a fifth-generation single chipset and system software solution, is currently the only available hardware and software solution to support IS-95B data rates up to 86.4 kbps. With over three million Personal Communications Service (PCS) subscribers in Korea, KT Freetel is emerging as one of the world's fastest growing and largest PCS operators. KT Freetel's concept of Personal Network Services (PersNet®) will soon be realized, enabling high-speed wireless Internet access and interactive data communications. PersNet will allow customers to take advantage of electronic commerce, on-line stock trading, on-line banking and travel reservations via access to the Internet through CDMA handsets.

LG Launches Commercial CDMA WLL system in Romania

Seoul, Korea, July 26, 1999 -- LG Information & Communications successfully launched its CDMA Wireless Local Loop system in Romania and emerged as the Korea’s first telecomm system manufacturer to have commercially-in-service CDMA WLL system in overseas country.

Today, a cut-over ceremony to put the 10,000 line radio access network into operation was held in Buzau Telecom Office of Buzau Province, Romania. The event was organized to celebrate the Romania’s first commercial service of wireless CDMA access network that was provided and established by LG.

With the presence of several guests including Mr. Sergiu Iliescu, President of National Agency for Communications and Informatics(NACI) representing the government of Romania, Mr. Vassilios Tsakoniatis, President of Romtelecom and Ambassador Gwang-Won Kang, Korean Ambassador to Romania, the opening international call to Korea with LG’s fixed wireless terminal (LST-2200) was reportedly made with high clarity like a wire line.

On a turnkey based contract, LG not only provided Romtelecom, the Romanian Telephone Operator, with 1.9GHz CDMA Wireless Local Loop system including 1 BSC, 20 BTSs and 10,000 terminals, but also installed the network with its own technology of cell planning (TelAIR) and network optimization.

The CDMA network was appraised to be excellent in service quality and coverage comparing with other technologies introduced to the Romanian rural area. The launched CDMA WLL network has the following advantages ; open interface standards (V5.2), high reliability and performance, mobility functions, and data / fax / payphone services.

The opening of the CDMA radio access network is the first stage of a project to expand telephone lines of Buzau Province.

LG is promoting other WLL projects in Romania on the basis of the success in Buzau this time. Also, LG has a plan to step on its effort to expand the supply of CDMA WLL system and terminals to the countries in need of basic telecomm infra network such as India, Russia, China, and Latin American countries. LG has finished CDMA WLL trial and will provide commercial service in Guangzhou Telecom, China. Also, LG is running trial systems with DOT in Hayderabad, India and with Kodotel in Kostroma, Russia.