Industry News

MTS Mobility Launches PCS Network

WINNIPEG, Feb. 26, 1998 -- MTS Mobility today launched Digital PCS in Winnipeg, heralding a new era of digital wireless communications in Manitoba.

``With our launch of Digital PCS, communications in Manitoba will never be the same again," says James Fitzgerald, President and Chief Operating Officer of MTS Mobility. ``MTS Mobility's Digital PCS is clearly a superior service to cellular. It's 100 per cent digital, and the advantages include outstanding voice clarity, extended battery life, greater security, and higher call capacity - up to 10 times more capacity than cellular."

MTS Mobility has selected the latest, and most widely-used technology in North America - Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) - to build an advanced digital network in Manitoba. A number of industry studies have concluded that the CDMA standard offers greater clarity, capacity and security than the two other competing PCS technologies.

Digital PCS is loaded with features that include Call Display, which shows the incoming caller's number, and Message Waiting Visual Indicator, an icon that lights up if there is a message in the Message Centre.

"We're also offering our customers four, easy-to-follow, competitive PCS rate plans that rival cellular in price," adds Fitzgerald. ``We've made the service attractive to customers so we can begin the migration to PCS from cellular, and maintain our dominant market position in Manitoba."

"Digital PCS will greatly improve business efficiencies, and it has the potential to provide the same level of service as wired phones do today ... with the added convenience of total mobility. We're really moving Manitoba into the digital wireless age," notes Fitzgerald.

MTS Mobility will be introducing Voice Dial before the end of May, 1998, so customers only have to say a name or number to initiate a call. Other services under development include pager and e-mail applications, and the ability to surf the Internet from a PCS phone.

The service is being launched in Winnipeg, and will be rolled out to Brandon, Steinbach and Selkirk later in the year.

In total, MTS Mobility will spend more than $40 million over the next four years to provide Digital PCS service to the majority of Manitobans.

MTS Mobility remains fully committed to its analog cellular network, and is spending more than $8 million in upgrades and new sites in rural Manitoba in 1998.

``Cellular service will be with us for many years to come, and we will continue to be the main provider of that service as well," notes Fitzgerald. ``In the years ahead, however, our focus will be fixed on the wireless service of the future - Digital PCS."

Sprint PCS Announces Vision For Third Generation Wireless cdmaOne™ Technology

Lucent Technologies, Motorola, Nortel and QUALCOMM Join Sprint PCS To Develop and Trial Third Generation Wireless cdmaOne Technology

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 23, 1998 -- Sprint PCS, the nation's largest all-digital, 100 percent PCS nationwide wireless network together with Lucent Technologies, Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG), Nortel (Northern Telecom) and QUALCOMM announced today their joint vision and development plans for third generation wireless systems based on the evolution of cdmaOne (Code Division Multiple Access). The five companies also announced that they will trial the new technology no later than 2000 with commercial deployment to follow.

Many of today's cellular systems use first generation or analog technology. The recently deployed all-digital personal communication services (PCS) networks are considered to be second generation wireless technology.

Standards organizations, government agencies and various industry associations around the world are currently debating what third generation wireless technology should consist of for the past 12 months. To date, this ongoing discussion has not produced a clear, decisive path for the development of third generation wireless technology.

"After several months of joint research and development, Sprint PCS, together with Lucent, Motorola CIG, Nortel and QUALCOMM, are putting a stake in the ground to lead the development and trial of third generation wireless networks evolving from cdmaOne," said Al Kurtze, Sprint PCS chief operating officer. "As the nation's largest all-digital, nationwide cdmaOne PCS provider, Sprint PCS is in a unique position to drive the development of this technology to best serve the future wireless needs of consumers and businesses. Our goal is to trial this technology no later than 2000 and quickly move to commercial deployment."

Sprint PCS has created a dedicated team in its network engineering and operations organization to specifically lead all technology development programs including third generation wireless technology. "We have assembled a team of seasoned wireless technology veterans to work with our four vendors in this pioneering effort to develop tomorrow's wireless standard," Kurtze said. "I am confident that the resources and leadership of our five companies will lead to the development of superior technology for the benefit of consumers and businesses in the United States and around the world."

The five companies outlined their vision for third generation wireless technology, specifying three areas of initial focus for joint development: Backward Compatibility with Today's cdmaOne. cdmaOne has emerged as the leading standard for digital wireless service in North America and is rapidly gaining acceptance worldwide. In fact, cdmaOne is the basis for most international third generation standards proposals. "The superior voice quality and clarity of cdmaOne is preferred by customers over other wireless technologies and the capacity gains are meeting our expectations," Kurtze said. "We believe that third generation wireless must be backward compatible with second generation cdmaOne technology to further leverage these strengths and to allow customers to continue to enjoy their current PCS service even as new technology is deployed."

Offer Increased Data Rates "Our view of third generation wireless technology also includes high-speed wireless data," Kurtze said. "Today's wireless data technology offers speeds in the 14 kilobits per second range. Initial research by our five companies has demonstrated the potential for wireless data speeds as high as several megabits per second with third generation cdmaOne technology. High-speed data, required for multimedia applications, will play an essential role in the new standard." Sprint PCS plans to introduce wireless data service into its all-digital nationwide network later this year with competitive data rates. Utilize Existing Licensed PCS Spectrum

The spectrum efficiency and overall capacity gains of cdmaOne technology will also allow the deployment of third generation wireless technology on existing licensed PCS spectrum. "In the continuing third generation technology debate, several international standards organizations and government agencies have proposed the use of non-PCS spectrum," Kurtze said. "PCS spectrum can easily support second and third generation cdmaOne wireless technology."

Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDMA Development Group said, "We are pleased that operators worldwide are taking an active role in the definition of third generation systems. We are hopeful that harmonization of standards can be achieved on a global basis, and encourage the carrier community to continue to communicate their needs and objectives to help attain this goal. cdmaOne offers tremendous benefits for the migration to IMT-2000 and can serve as the basis for a global, next generation standard." "Lucent Technologies takes great pride in playing a lead role in the deployment of Sprint PCS' nationwide CDMA wireless network," said Bill Nelson, Lucent Technologies' vice president of Wireless Networks-North America. "With Lucent's Flexent™ wireless networks -- announced at the CTIA show today -- Sprint PCS will enjoy a smooth, cost effective migration path to third generation wireless services."

Gene Delaney, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola,
Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group said, "We're extremely pleased that Sprint PCS has selected Motorola to work with them to develop third generation wireless technology. Motorola has long been excited by the prospect of enabling innovative new services based on high-speed data and wireless multimedia, and has been working diligently to develop the required standards and technologies. To have Sprint PCS, the leading nationwide operator of digital networks, set such clear goals for trial and commercial deployment is a validation of Sprint PCS' commitment to long-term customer support."

"Supporting our customers with planning the evolution of their network is a high priority for Nortel," added Richard Lowe, vice president and general manager, CDMA Networks, Nortel. "The promise of delivering a rich set of multimedia services to consumers in the early years of the next century represents the next major milestone in the evolution of wireless mobility."

Dr. Irwin Jacobs, chairman and CEO of QUALCOMM Incorporated said, "As the developer of CDMA technology, QUALCOMM is committed to providing a smooth migration path to third generation technology for cdmaOne operators. It is essential that cdmaOne manufacturers and operators take a leading role in bringing the concept of multi-network backwards compatible CDMA-based 3G systems to fruition. Our joint 3G vision will help ensure the success of cdmaOne operators well into the future."

ALLTEL to Launch its First PCS Offering in Jacksonville, Florida Customers Benefit from ALLTEL's 'One Stop Shop' and One Bill

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 23, 1998 -- ALLTEL has announced that Jacksonville will be the site for its first launch of PCS (personal communications services), an advanced digital version of wireless service, later this week. Also, for the first time in Jacksonville, customers will be able to get their communications services from one source, and on one bill.

"This is an exciting time for ALLTEL in Jacksonville because not only are we able to launch a premiere digital wireless service in Jacksonville, but we are the first company to offer customers one single provider for long-distance, paging, Internet, and PCS," stated Mike Flynn, president for ALLTEL's communications operations. "ALLTEL customers will enjoy the benefits of receiving one consolidated, easy-to-understand bill for all their communications services. Also, customers may tailor their communications package to meet their specific needs."

Flynn explained that as customers have unique and multiple communications needs, ALLTEL provides multiple communications solutions. "In a family, a teenager may need a pager, one spouse needs wireless service, and another Internet," said Flynn. "And, obviously, every household needs residential long-distance service.

"Likewise, a business may have needs to utilize multiple services from our telecommunications portfolio. ALLTEL can provide all of these services, all on one bill, all from one source.

"We believe this convergence of services, or 'one-stop shopping' represents the future of communications," said Flynn. "And, what better place to introduce a convergence of services than in Jacksonville, one of the fastest growing markets in the southeast region." As part of the launch, ALLTEL will open three new convergence retail stores in Jacksonville.

ALLTEL is utilizing the Sony CM B-3200 PCS dual-mode, dual-band wireless phone for its PCS offering. ALLTEL's PCS wireless phones have the ability to operate on either a digital or analog (cellular) network and will automatically switch from digital to analog when customers travel outside of the new digital coverage area. Unlike some other digital phones offered by other carriers, ALLTEL's PCS phones will not have a limited range and will allow customers to enjoy nationwide coverage. Each customer's service will include nationwide roaming, caller ID, voice mail, first incoming minute free, call waiting and call forwarding.

"Our PCS wireless phones are compatible with current wireless systems throughout North America, including analog, PCS, and other digital wireless
networks," said Flynn. "We want our customers to have the latest in technology without sacrificing any convenience."

ALLTEL selected CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology for its digital wireless platform. CDMA is a spread spectrum system first used by the United States military. ALLTEL's network will include CDMA mini-cell equipment and one of the world's most widely deployed switching systems, the 5ESS (r)-2000 switch

"Our digital technology has been in careful commercial development for several years," said Flynn. "In our trial of digital wireless service, we determined that the CDMA system provided the highest level of service. Voice clarity and user capacity on the CDMA system are far superior to other digital wireless systems because voice sampling takes place at a higher rate than on other systems. "Cellular conversations are also clearer because of smoother, less noticeable transfers, or 'soft hand-offs' between cell sites, as a customer's phone simultaneously communicates with multiple towers while in use."

The other benefit of ALLTEL's PCS offering is security, Flynn said. "Because each voice conversation is digitized and then tagged with a code, it is nearly impossible for someone to eavesdrop on a conversation, so customers will enjoy peace of mind knowing they can talk with more privacy," he said.

ALLTEL is a customer-focused, information technology company that provides wireline and wireless communications and information services.

QUALCOMM and AirTouch Announce Industry's First Trial of CDMA Digital Data Technologies

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 19, 1998 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated and AirTouch Communications today announced that they will participate in the wireless industry's first trial of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital data technologies for information services with Lucent Technologies and 3Com. The Companies will test new CDMA data technologies and evaluate CDMA data-capable phones, information appliances and applications.

The trial will begin with a validation of a fast wireless Internet access technology, Quick Net Connect (QNC), that was jointly developed by QUALCOMM and 3Com and delivered by Lucent's CDMA infrastructure. QNC technology has the potential to provide faster, more reliable wireless Internet connections with data rates of 14.4 kbps. The companies expect to begin the trial within a month and continue testing throughout 1998.

"QUALCOMM is aggressively supporting our customers to expedite the trials of their wireless data systems" said James B. DeBello, vice president and general manager of QUALCOMM's Eudora Division. "As CDMA digital data services roll out over the next year, consumers will be able to take advantage of quick wireless data communications to easily access the information they use most everyday."

"AirTouch is excited about the potential for bringing advanced wireless information access and management solutions to our customers. This trial could identify new applications to help customers achieve better balance in their lives. We're pleased to work with other industry leaders and look forward to a timely and responsive trial," said Scott Falconer, vice president - marketing at Air-Touch Cellular.

LG TeleCom launches CDMA wireless data service

February 18, 1998 -- LG TeleCom makes 18th Feb. 1998 a historic day in CDMA Group. LG TeleCom, one of three Personal Communications Services (PCS) operators in South Korea, has launched the industry's first commercial wireless data access service on its existing cdmaOne networks throughout Korea.

LG TeleCom said wireless data access service represents an important next step in the evolution of existing cdmaOne networks to the next generation of wireless technology. The addition of 64Kbps data capabilities to existing cdmaOne networks will be the next step in this ongoing evolution and this capability is expected to be commercially available around the end of 1998.

The wireless data service will enable LG TeleCom's subscribers to access services ranging from the Internet to E-mail and fax capabilities using handsets and a computer without a modem. It makes the mobile office possible.

The implementation of the service is based on the IS-658 and IS-707 standards. The service can support data rates of up to 14.4Kbps in circuit-switched mode, including wireless fax capabilities.

LG TeleCom soft-launched its PCS networks in August 1997 and launched commercial service in October.

Hutchison sees strong CDMA growth in 98

HONG KONG, Feb 9, 1998 - Hutchison Whampoa Ltd's
Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Ltd said on Monday its CDMA subscribers, after jumping more than four-fold last year to 230,000, were expected to rise to 400,000 by the end of 1998. "Our target for CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network subcribers is at least 400,000 by the end of this year," a spokeswoman said.

The company plans to add 150 CDMA relay stations to reach a total of 500 this year to improve indoor coverage. "Basically our CDMA coverage is similar to GSM and we just want to improve our indoor coverage," the spokeswoman said.

Hutchison Telecom's CDMA network posted significant growth last year to 230,000 subscribers from 50,000 at the beginning of 1997.

Hutchison Telecom said in a statement that the company would focus on the introduction of value added services this year.

The first value added service to be launched is a news service provided by Metro Radio and played through mobile handsets, it said.

Vendor News

Lucent Technologies Introduces Integrated Chip That Enables Smaller, More Feature-Rich Cellular Phones

Atlanta, Feb. 23, 1998-- Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group today introduced an integrated chip for cellular phones that doubles the memory of its previous-generation device and makes possible smaller phones with more advanced features.

The chip, called EVRC PRO (Enhanced Variable Rate Codec), is Lucent's second-generation EVRC speech coding device for the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Market. Introduced at this week's Wireless '98 show here, the chip, enabling smaller phones designs. In Lucent's earlier EVRC offering, the voice codec function is on a separate chip.

The EVRC PRO's 72 kilowords of Read Only Memory (ROM) -- twice the amount available on Lucent's earlier EVRC device-support the EVRC speech coder and give cellular phone manufacturers greater flexibility in offering enhanced features on their CDMA phones, such as voice recognition, noise reduction, and acoustic echo cancellation.

The chip's 100 Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS) processing speed at 3 volts easily makes it one of the world's fastest DSPs for cellular phones.

The use of EVRC technology for compressing and decompressing voice signals in CDMA phones improves voice quality while maintaining lower bit rates (the number of bits sent per second). The lower bit rate (up to 8 kilobits per second) consumes less bandwidth, which translates to increased network capacity for wireless service providers.

"With EVRC PRO, cellular phone manufacturers get the technical springboard they need to differentiate their product," said Denis Regimbal, marketing director for wireless integrated circuits with Lucent's Microelectronics Group.

This new chip is the latest announcement related to Lucent's EVRC technology. Last November, Lucent announced that three Korean wireless communications equipment manufacturers -- Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd., and LG information & communications, Ltd. -- are now including the company's DSP-based EVRC technology in their CDMA wireless phones and base stations.

The EVRC PRO is expected to be available at $50 (U.S. price only) in sample quantities next month.

Motorola CIG Sets the Benchmark in Low-Cost, High Capacity Wireless system Ownership

Arlington Heights, Ill., Feb. 23, 1998 -- Motorola, Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) today unveiled a revolutionary product which can enable cellular and Personal Communications Services (PCS) operators to reduce capital costs by more than 30 percent.

The new SC™ 4812 base station is the industry's first compact, six-sector Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cell site. It provides twice the call carrying capacity of anyother single-frame CDMA base station in the industry. The announcement was made at Wireless '98 in Atlanta.

The first installation of the SC4812 base stations is currently underway in Israel as part of Pele-phone Communications, Ltd.'s nationwide CDMA (also called cdmaOne™) network, which was announced in December 1997.

"We have started deploying Motorola's new, ultra high capacity SC 4812 in Israel with plans for extensive use in our high traffic areas in both three-sector and six-sector configurations," said Nissim Ben-Dayan, vice president of engineering and operations, Pele-phone Communications, Ltd. " The SC 4812's advanced capabilities will allow us to realize tremendous capacity gains while deploying our nationwide CDMA system at a lower cost than ever before."

The SC 4812 product supports the latest advancements in vocoding technology including the support of the 9 Kbps Enhanced Variable Rate Coder (EVRC) vocoder which in compination with the six sector site design can enable network operators to obtain at least 16 to 18 times the capacity of three-sector analog networks.

In addition, the SC 4812 utilizes Motorola CIG's high density CDMA channel card. The channel card uses Motorola CIG's second generation Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology, called EMAXX™, which can offer operators the benifit of increased capacity, increased receive sensitivity and enhanced system performance.

"Historically, RF equipment accounts for two thirds of the capital cost of deploying a wireless network. Our goal is to enable operators to dramatically increase their minutes of use while substantially reducing their cost," said Graham Haddock, vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG's Personal Communications Division.

Motorola CIG was awarded a $260 million contract from Pele-Phone to deploy the first CDMA digital cellular network throughout Israel.

Grayson Wireless Adds Field Analysis Capabilities to its Analyzer™ Post-Processing Tool

New Integrated software platform allows for immediate data access

Forest, VA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- The Analyzer from the Grayson Wireless division of Allen Telecom Inc., a PC-based post-processing tool that provides engineers with detailed analysis of test data, has been enhanced to offer operators the ability to perform analysis in the field.

Measurement and processing capabilities have been integrated into one software platform on the laptop, which allows users to collect the data, then access the information while still in the field. This provides them with the opportunity to troubleshoot problems and make decisions while in the field.

The Analyzer enables system designers to perform detailed and enhanced analysis of test data collected by Grayson's Surveyor™ and Illuminator™ drive test systems. Analyzer enables designers to create maps of system performance, time domain graphs, statistical charts and more. Built-in statistical functions such as averaging, mean, regression and percentile put powerful analytical tools at the designers' fingertips.

"Test data is only valuable if the designer can put it into meaningful terms that affect system improvements." says Terry Garner, Grayson Wireless president. "Also, network modifications can be made, and the associated performance enhancements can be tested without returning to the office."

Because Analyzer can process multiple log files simultaneously, system designers can use it to combine data from multiple surveys on a network or mix competing standards, such as CDMA, GSM and AMPS, for competitive comparisons.

Grayson Wireless Introduces CDMA to AMPS Hard Handoff Testing Capability for CDMA Surveyor™

New dual-band, dual-mode AMPS 800/PCS 1900 system supports QCP 2700 handset for hard handoff testing

Forest, VA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- A new dual-band, dual-mode AMPS 800/PCS 1900 capability for CDMA Surveyor has been introduced by Grayson Wireless, division of Allen Telecom Inc. CDMA Surveyor, verification and optimization tool, now supports the QCP 2700 handset for collecting and monitoring data on handoffs from CDMA 1900 to AMPS 800. CDMA Surveyor also supports hand handoff testing for cellular CDMA to AMPS.

The CDMA Surveyor test platform displays network performance factors including signal strength, signal quality, layer-3 message decoding and many other key measurement parameters specific to the transmission standard(s) being measured. The tool provides a user-friendly graphical interface for ease of use during drive tests and troubleshooting. A simple double click provides full message data. The new CDMA Surveyor logs and displays all data normally available from a QCP 800, 820, 1900 or 1920 as well as hard handoff data.

The enhanced CDMA Surveyor measurement system can be used to determine the PCS and cellular coverage, as well as handoff regions. Measurements can be displayed in real time on geographic maps, trend charts or in numeric format, providing network design engineers with immediate insight into problem areas.

"Surveyor makes measurements, display results and logs network performance in real time, enabling designers to diagnose system problems such as dropped calls, long handoff regions, call blocking, poor coverage and poor voice quality," says Terry Garner, Grayson Wireless president. "Our ability to support the QCP 2700 handset will be extremely important in facilitating the handoff of PCS 1900 calls."

CDMA Surveyor operates under Grayson's Inspector 32 Suite, a Windows(R) 95 software platform that allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously via a common menu and VCR-like toolbar. Analyzer™, PN ScannerTM and Page Tracker(R) Elite also fall under the new product family. This means, for example, that a user may concurrently display and log data from CDMA Surveyor and PN Scanner. In the near future, the Inspector 32 Suite software platform will also support 32-bit versions of the standards currently on the 16-bit platform, including Surveyor for GSM, AMPS and ETACS, providing customers with full benchmarking capability.

The dual-band, dual-mode CDMA Surveyor joins Grayson's full line of Surveyor products supporting all frequency bands worldwide.

Grayson Wireless Introduces Illuminator™ Maintenance Drive-Test System with Improved Hardware Options

Forest, VA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- The Grayson Wireless division of Allen Telecom Inc. has introduced the Illuminator drive-test measurement system with newly-upgraded hardware that allows for ease-of-use improved functionality in field test applications.

Illuminator is designed to identify and isolate faults in CDMA cellular systems before they result in lost revenue. The filter can be custom programmed to display, but not log, normal system operations, and log on trigger conditions that are outside the norms set by the test designer.

The new hardware upgrades answer customer requests for a more comprehensive product package. Most importantly, a PC can now be integrated in the WMI measurement hardware for added user convenience.

The display screen is bright, easy to read and operates over a broad temperature rage. Also available is a compact keyboard with an integrated touch pad. A newly designed pedestal mounts the display screen in an unobtrusive, easy-to-use configuration.

"The Illuminator is a powerful drive-test tool for logging and noting exceptions in a system's performance," says Terry Garner, Grayson Wireless president, "The newly designed hardware is our response to customer requests for a more comprehensive, all-in-one system that is easy for anyone to use."

The Illuminator is in fact, specifically designed to allow less experienced technicians to perform the drive tests typically conducted by more experienced personnel. Once an engineer configures the tool to suit the carrier's system requirements, Illuminator automatically logs exceptions in performance. The technician in the field can easily execute the engineer-defined fault isolation and repair procedures.

The Illuminator displays bar graphs of Ec/lo for each Finger, and time domain graphs for RXPower, TXPower and FER. The system also provides a Spectrum Analyzer display for detecting narrowband intruders and a bar graph data window showing the pilots in the Active, Candidate and Neighbor sets.

The Illuminator can be used to gauge system performance over time, allowing tracking of current performance against reference data. And because the WMI measurement hardware platform is fully compatible with the Grayson Surveyor™ verification and optimization system, users have the option of using Surveyor to display and collect more detailed data when faced with a novel system fault.

Cellcom Signs $US 42 Million Deal With Nortel (Northern Telecom) for CDMA Networks Digital Cellular, PCS Networks Will Offer Integrated Wireless, Wireline Services

ATLANTA, GA, Feb. 26, 1998 -- Cellcom of Wisconsin has selected Nortel (Northern Telecom) to supply CDMA digital cellular and PCS network infrastructure equipment and services under a five-year supply agreement worth $US 42 million.

Announced today at wireless '98, the deal includes Nortel CDMA digital networks for seven F-band PCS markets in Wisconsin and Michigan, and Nortel CDMA digital overlays for existing Nortel analog cellular networks in Wisconsin. Nortel will also expand several of Cellcom's other Nortel analog cellular networks.

Also included is a Nortel DMS-MTX digital mobile switching system, an upgrade to Cellcom's existing DMS-MTX, and a Nortel DMS-100 Wireless switching system.

An integral part of Nortel's Integrated Wireless Solution, the Nortel DMS-100 Wireless switch allows operators to provide integrated wireline and wireless services from a single platform. Cellcom plans to offer its customers one-stop shopping for local, long-distance, mobility, Internet, broadband and enterprise communications services.

"We believe this contract with Nortel provides Cellcom and its partners the convergence technology necessary to ensure the most complete telecommunications choices for our customers now and into the future," said Pat Riordan, president and chief executive officer, Cellcom.

"Convergence of fixed and mobile services is clearly an idea whose time has come," said Matt Desch, president, Wireless Networks, Nortel.

"Many of our customers are looking to offer their customers a package of integrated services from a single source," Desch said. "Cellcom is getting a jump on the competition using an Integrated Wireless Solution from Nortel."

Three New CDMA Fixed Wireless Terminals from Telular Announced Today Extensive worldwide field trials conclude with three robust CDMA products loaded with important features

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Feb. 23, 1998 -- Telular Corporation today introduced three models of the Phonecell SX2e(R) for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) show in Atlanta. Twelve months of customer field trials occurred prior to this commercial launch. Experience gained from diverse market and laboratory testing preceded Telular's entry into the CDMA fixed wireless market.

The three products introduced are for the different types of CDMA networks being deployed around the world. One model is for 800 MHz, one for 800 MHz with the specialized enhanced variable rate vocoder (EVRC) and one for 1900 MHz. "CDMA is a very important technology and we are pleased to announce these products. The extensive trials resulted in invaluable customer feedback. In many cases, I believe we have exceeded their requirements and expectations with what we are releasing today," said Kenneth E. Millard, president and chief executive officer. "Customers in developing markets in pursuit of primary phone service as well as U.S. customers scrutinizing our product relative to the stringent Bell standards have been involved. We believe their inputs combined with Telular's experience and engineering expertise has yielded a dynamite family of products."

Features of the three products are extensive. The Phonecell SX2e for CDMA provides wireless voice communications from standard telephone equipment through the RJ-11 jack. Crystal clear audio quality is the most important feature of the product. Features that allow the user to duplicate wired network capabilities are included, such as call waiting, call forwarding and three-way calling. Up to five extensions can be supported by a single terminal -- the most available in the industry.

The Phonecell SX2e has a new, small, sleek design. It can either sit on a desk or be mounted on the wall using an easy-to-install bracket. Power can be supplied either through the Battery Back-Up (BBU) accessory or through a simple external power supply. The BBU contains the power supply, charger and two batteries that can supply up to 3 hours of talk time or up to 36 hours of standby. The TNC connector provides flexibility in choosing the optimum antenna for installation.

The Phonecell SX2e for CDMA has the most programmable features available in a CDMA fixed wireless terminal. Ring cadence, dial tone and ROH tone are examples of features which can be easily programmed. Wireless operators need the ability to configure the product just like the local landline operator to ensure transparency, and the Phonecell SX delivers.

CDMA is the newest digital standard developed in North America and provides the greatest capacity. It is presently deployed in only a portion of the markets that plan on using this technology for cellular or PCS service. Major markets include North and South America, Africa, Eastern Europe and many countries throughout Asia.

Sony Expands Pocketable Digital Handset Line with D-WAVE Zuma™ Phone; Wireless Industry's Smallest Dual Mode CDMA Phone Offers Expanded Coverage

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- CTIA '98 Booth #4909, Sony Electronics' Wireless Telecommunications Company (WTC) expanded its line of pocketable Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) handsets with the introduction of the D-WAVE Zuma™ 800 MHz dual mode CDMA/AMPS phone. "The new D-WAVE Zuma phone (model CM-Z200) is the digital phone of choice for cellular customers looking for a feature-rich pocketable handset that provides unlimited coverage within a carrier's system, yet can also roam nationwide," explained Dave Whalen, vice president of sales and marketing for WTC.

Measuring 3.6 x 2.4 x 1 inches and weighing just 5.3 ounces, the D-WAVE Zuma phone is the industry's smallest CDMA handset, with a form factor and design similar to Sony's award-winning CM-Z100 PCS handset and CM-RX100 analog handset.

Innovative features of the new model include Sony's Jog Dial™ navigator, an ergonomic dial on the side of the phone that allows easy access to, and thumb control of, a user-friendly menu system. A ninety-nine number alphanumeric phone book, the 10 most recent calling and called numbers, security settings, quick volume adjustment and other functions, are controlled by simply turning and pressing the dial.

The phone's unique folding arm microphone helps minimize handset size, while also functioning as the "send/end" key for receiving and completing calls. The handset provides approximately 2.3 hours of continuous talk time and 40 hours of standby time (in CDMA mode) with Sony's Lithium-Ion battery pack. In addition, the phone features an easy-to-read, large four-line x 12-character LCD display. The D-WAVE Zuma dual mode phone will be manufactured in San Diego and available in the U.S. in the second half of 1998.

Repeater Technologies Secures $5 million contract with Canada's Clearnet Communications

ATLANT, Feb. 23, 1998 -- Repeater Technologies has announced that it has been awarded a sole-source systemwide contract from Clearnet Communications Inc. for PCS CDMA over-the-air repeaters.

This contract for repeaters and supporting network management software system is valued at $5 million and includes Repeater Technologies' new advanced Network Repeater -- the OA1900C NR. As a new generation repeater, the OA1900C NR constitutes the first and only repeater offering 6.3 watts output power and featuring receive diversity that preserves the donor cell capacity, provides 3 dB more link budget and maintains the extended battery talk-time designed into the PCS network.

This contract covers the most advanced network management software system for repeaters, RepeaterNet, which gives Clearnet the ability to monitor and access all of its repeaters from a central control center via a user-friendly graphical interface. The contract includes the implementation of regional network control at Clearnet's national Network Operations Center (NOC) to monitor all Network Repeaters in the network.

"This contract signifies the increased role that repeaters are playing in helping to ensure reliable coverage and enhanced network capacity, while saving as much as 40 percent in network capital costs. The over-the-air repeaters represented in this contract, coupled with RepeaterNet, arms Clearnet with powerful, competitive tools," according to Ken Kenitzer, Repeater Technologies president and CEO. "The OA1900C NR meets PCS operators' needs for increased coverage and lower cost per subscriber, necessities in today's competitive wireless climate."

"The OA1900C NR will enhance our national digital Clearnet PCS network, providing our customers with exceptional coverage," according to Eros Spadotto, Clearnet's vice president of networks and information. "We selected Repeater Technologies for their exceptional products, industry-leading diversity feature, sophisticated network management software system, and technical support."

QUALCOMM Introduces the Industry's First CDMA Digital Wireless Phone Concentrators

New QCT-8000 and QCT-8200 Offer Cost-Effective Wireless Local Loop Telephony Access

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- CTIA WIRELESS '98 BOOTH #2539, QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the introduction of the industry's first Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless concentrators.

The new QCT-8000™ is designed for CDMA digital cellular systems at 800 MHz frequency, while the new QCT-8200™ supports CDMA digital Personal Communications Services (PCS) systems at 1900 MHz. QUALCOMM's new concentrators offer the most cost-effective fixed wireless solution for business, apartment and condominium complexes, and clustered housing. "QUALCOMM's new concentrators offer our customers an innovative, cost-effective solution to rapidly deliver affordable telephone service without sacrificing the clarity similar to the voice quality of a landline," said Diane M. Winchell, director of product management for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "Plus, because the system is portable and expandable, carriers can deploy services based on demand where services were previously nonexistent."

Configured with six to 14 CDMA radio ports, the QCT-8000 and the QCT-8200 indoor concentrator systems serve up to 72 subscribers. The link between the concentrator and a Base station Transceiver Subsystem (BTS) is wireless, while the connection to the individual phone is wired via twisted copper pairs. The QCT-8000 and QCT-8200 are designed to fit into any building's common telecommunications closet. Consumers can easily access the system by simply plugging a telephone, fax machine or data modem into a standard RJ-11 telephone wall jack.

The system supports up to 13 simultaneous calls. Call signals are routed to a common antenna, which are then sent out over the air to the nearest BTS. In addition to dial tone and a unique phone number, each subscriber line supports up to three extensions. The subscriber lines also feature data capabilities with transmission rates of up to 14.4 Kbps (where CDMA data services are available), direct inward/outward calling, caller ID, call waiting, call transfer and three-way calling.

The new concentrators incorporate QUALCOMM's CDMA technology and allows many single-wired telephones to share a smaller number of CDMA radios. CDMA technology provides crystal clear voice quality, advanced security features to guard against cloning and fraud, less background noise and increased cell area coverage. Combined with the features of the concentrator, the carrier can now offer less expensive, better quality phone service to a greater number of subscribers.

QUALCOMM Signs Supply Agreement with U S WEST Wireless Valued Up to $100 Million for the Purchase of CDMA Digital PCS Handsets for U S WEST Consumers

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 1998 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced that it has signed an agreement with U S WEST Wireless, LLC valued up to $100 million, for the purchase of QUALCOMM's family of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) PCS digital phones over a one-year period. Under the terms of the agreement, U S WEST Wireless will exclusively market QUALCOMM's phones to U S WEST Communications' residential wireline customers. This alliance marks the first exclusive agreement for both QUALCOMM and U S WEST Wireless.

Peter Mannetti, president of U S WEST Wireless, said, "We're excited to work with QUALCOMM to jointly develop customized solutions that will allow us to deliver on our commitment to our customers to provide superior PCS wireless products and services."

Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, president of QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division, stated, "We are thrilled to launch this agreement with U S WEST Wireless. This strategic relationship affords both Companies the unique opportunity to collaborate on developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of U S WEST customers."

QUALCOMM offers the world's broadest line of advanced CDMA digital subscriber products and support tools available. QUALCOMM's popular family of digital phones includes state-of-the-art CDMA mobile phones and digital fixed wireless phones. Every QUALCOMM phone delivers exceptional voice quality and enhanced security, and is upgradable to support a broad range of data capabilities.

QUALCOMM Announces New Marketing Strategy for QEDesign Network Planning and Deployment Software

New Lower List Prices Increase Access for Growing Number of CDMA Operators and Consultants

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- CTIA WIRELESS '98 BOOTH #2539 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced that in a move designed to increase operator access to the benefits of accurate network planning, the Company will offer a price reduction on its QEDesign(R) network planning and deployment software package.

As the number of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks worldwide continues to increase, the need for a new generation of accurate, reliable network planning tools has grown substantially. Subsequently, as competition between wireless operators increases, superior network performance becomes a key factor in maintaining a competitive advantage. A well-planned network maximizes system performance and results in both capital and operational cost savings for operators. In an effort to make it easier for operators to realize the benefits of powerful CDMA network planning, QUALCOMM is offering QEDesign and related maintenance and support services at a markedly reduced price. QUALCOMM is also offering a price incentive to customers switching from competing network planning tools.

"Offering our industry-leading QEDesign software solution at an attractive price is an indication of QUALCOMM's long-term commitment to each and every CDMA operator around the world," said Mark Kelley, director of network planning at QUALCOMM. "Increased availability of our product will enable operators to get the most out of their CDMA networks and maintain a competitive advantage in their markets."

QEDesign is the only software of its kind designed specifically for cdmaOne™ (IS-95 and J-STD-008) networks, resulting in highly accurate and resource-efficient radio network designs. This comprehensive network planning and deployment tool also has integrated support for analog systems, making it easy for operators to transition from analog to CDMA. The package includes a host of features designed to accurately model complex CDMA systems, including multi-CDMA carrier networks, interference from pilot pollution, and propagation in dense-urban environments. QEDesign is an end-to-end network planning solution for the life of a CDMA network, with capabilities to guide operators through initial planning, system optimization and network expansion.

QUALCOMM's QEDesign software was recently granted a U.S. patent, which covers all of the critical elements for CDMA analysis utilized in the software. QUALCOMM's patented software takes advantage of the Company's expertise as the pioneer of CDMA technology, and integrates advanced algorithms to accurately simulate all aspects of CDMA network design. For customers migrating from competing CDMA network planning tools, QEDesign will be offered at a suggested list price of $15,000 for a one-year single unit license. For customers who are not migrating from another product, the list price for QEDesign is $25,000 for a one-year single unit license.

The software support, maintenance and upgrade package will be offered at a list price of $5,000 per year for customers with five or fewer licenses, and $10,000 per year for customers with five to 10 licenses. Support for customers with more than 10 licenses will be determined on a per-project basis. These prices apply to the standard Release 2.0 package only; optional modules are priced separately.

QUALCOMM Announces New Highly Integrated CDMA Cell Site Modem

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- CTIA WIRELESS '98 BOOTH #2539 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the introduction of the CSM2000, a next-generation Cell Site Modem for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) infrastructure and test equipment. The CSM2000 is a multiple-channel CDMA digital baseband modem capable of supporting up to eight forward link channels and eight reverse link channels. CDMA infrastructure manufacturers will benefit from a significant cost reduction per channel, a very large reduction in the circuit board space required, as well as lower power consumption per channel.

"The new CSM2000 device enables design of much smaller, lower cost CDMA base stations. The 8x integration allows a single CSM to demodulate up to eight simultaneous channels as required for IS-95B high speed data services and supported by MSM3000," said Johan Lodenius, vice president of marketing for QUALCOMM's ASIC Products Division.

The CSM2000 incorporates eight channel elements into a single device. Each channel element performs CDMA modulation, CDMA demodulation and Viterbi decoding. The channel elements are chained together internally requiring only one set of transmit outputs and therefore reducing the drive power required per channel. The high integration of the CSM2000 allows substantial power savings over previous CSM devices. The CSM2000 provides more than 75 percent power savings when replacing eight CSM1.0 devices and more than 25 percent power savings when replacing eight CSM1.5 devices. The CSM2000 requires a single power supply operating between 2.7 and 3.6 volts.

The CSM2000 contains improved time tracking and lock detect circuitry in
the demodulator of each channel element. This design enhancement provides up to 1.2 dB improvement over CSM1.0 and CSM1.5 depending on vehicle speed and the number of fingers combining at a given time. It also reduces the output power required from the phone, resulting in longer battery life and increased reverse link system capacity. Each channel element within the CSM2000 can be accessed as if it were a single CSM1.0 or CSM1.5. The registers are shared between channel elements whenever possible. These features allow the CSM2000 to be software compatible with the CSM1.0 and CSM1.5 with very minor changes.

The CSM2000 comes in a 128-pin Metric Quad Flat Pack (MQFP) package allowing a significant space savings for base station hardware. The footprint of a single CSM2000 is only 18 percent of the area occupied by eight CSM1.5 devices. "It is very important for us to continue to support CDMA infrastructure and test equipment manufacturers with higher efficiency parts for next- generation base stations and testers. The CSM2000 provides a leap in both integration and cost efficiency," said Don Schrock, president of QUALCOMM's ASIC Products Division. Engineering samples are expected to be available in the third quarter of 1998 with production quantities expected in the fourth quarter of 1998.

QUALCOMM Adds New CDMA RFIC Devices to ASIC Product Family

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- CTIA WIRELESS '98 BOOTH #2539 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the availability of two new Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs), the U1000 Wideband Upconverter and the U1100 Dual-band Upconverter. Designed as part of QUALCOMM's growing family of CDMA RFIC solutions, these devices are optimized for use in the transmit section of dual-mode Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular or Personal Communications Services (PCS) handset applications.

The U1000 and U1100 are monolithic upconverters for the Cellular and PCS frequency band operating frequencies. Both devices feature an RF output range that covers cellular and PCS frequencies used to translate the transmit Intermediate Frequency (IF) up to the associated RF output. Their RF output performance has been specifically characterized over the cellular frequency band, U.S. PCS frequency band (1900 MHz) and the Korean PCS frequency band (1800 MHz). In addition, the U1100 Dual-band Upconverter includes two selectable RF outputs to accommodate dual-band/dual-mode CDMA phone applications for operation between the PCS band and the cellular FM band.

The upconverters also feature low Local Oscillator (LO) power requirements and guaranteed performance over a supply voltage of 2.7 V to 3.78 V. Built to meet the demanding transmit specifications for CDMA phone requirements, the U1000 and U1100 achieve excellent RF performance parameters including adjacent Channel Power Rejection (ACPR) and Noise Figure. The U1000 and U1100 include all input/output impedance matching on-chip, and are packaged in a eight-lead Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) plastic package. Device samples and evaluation boards are expected to be available in March, with production quantities expected in May 1998.

QUALCOMM Signs CDMA License Agreement with PrairieComm

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 23, 1998 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced that in October 1997 it signed a multi-million dollar, royalty-bearing license agreement for cdmaOne™ Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) with PrairieComm, Inc. Under terms of the agreement, QUALCOMM granted PrairieComm a license to develop, manufacture and sell cdmaOne ASICs to QUALCOMM's subscriber equipment licensees for cellular, Personal Communications Services (PCS) and wireless local loop (WLL) applications worldwide.

"Through this licensing agreement with PrairieComm, an established provider of chipsets for the cellular phone market, we can further accelerate the development and deployment of commercial CDMA products to meet the growing market demand," said Steve Altman, executive vice president and general manager of QUALCOMM's Technology Transfer Division. "CDMA technology has tremendous momentum around the globe and there is
substantial demand for baseband ASIC devices," said Thomas Farmer, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for PrairieComm. "Our CDMA ASIC license agreement with QUALCOMM allows us to bring a world-class single chip solution to wireless subscriber equipment marketplace. With the addition of this baseband ASIC to our portfolio, PrairieComm is now addressing all of the U.S. analog and digital cellular and PCS standards." CDMA is the digital technology of choice for digital cellular and PCS in the United States. CDMA offers higher voice quality with longer talk and standby times and greater wireless access to millions of subscribers.

PrairieComm, Inc., based in Arlington, Illinois, develops and markets chipsets, embedded software and licensed intellectual property to the wireless personal communications industry. The company has a strong background in the development of wireless subscriber products from a systems perspective. That strength is leveraged in the development of products hallmarked by a superior performance, low power consumption, mixed-signal integration and small die size. For further information on PrairieComm and its products, please visit the company's web site at (http://www.prairiecomm.com/) or call (847) 797-0280.

QUALCOMM Announces New CDMA Digital Wireless Outdoor Payphones

QCT-5000 and QCT-5200 Are the Industry's First CDMA Digital Wireless Outdoor Payphones

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- CTIA WIRELESS '98 BOOTH #2539 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced its new Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless all-environment payphone offered in both cellular (QCT-5000™) and Personal Communications Services (PCS) (QCT-5200™) solutions. The new wireless payphones offer rapid deployment and can be re-deployed to meet public access demands.

"The new QCT-5000 and QCT-5200 allow our customers to offer additional telephony services in remote areas," said Gina M. Lombardi, vice president of product development for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "These wireless payphones are ideal for public transportation areas, disaster relief areas and for mobile kiosks at public events, concerts and conferences. Because the payphones are wireless, they can be easily relocated to any site where use is in high demand."

The QCT-5000 and QCT-5200 combine the quality of QUALCOMM's CDMA radio transceiver with an all-environment outdoor payphone unit. To ensure maximum revenue for the service provider, the outdoor payphone unit is fully self-contained, with high levels of security built in. To prevent fraud due to theft of the radio unit, a security protocol in the radio can be configured to confirm the unit is connected to the payphone controller unit before initiating a call. Payment methods include coin, credit card or smart card operation.

The QCT-5000 and QCT-5200 outdoor payphones are an ideal choice for secure wireless payphone conversations. QUALCOMM developed CDMA wireless technology which greatly reduces eavesdropping, cloning of the phone number and theft of transferred credit and debit card payment data. As with every QUALCOMM CDMA digital phone, the QCT-5000 and QCT-5200 deliver crystal clear voice quality. Optional battery packs and solar charging are available to support service in remote areas where power lines are nonexistent. Additionally, they offer continuous service during power outages. This flexibility allows the service provider to maximize revenue opportunities.

The functionality of the QCT-5000 and QCT-5200 CDMA digital wireless payphones are the same as a regular wireline payphone. The phones offer vocoder rates in 8 Kbps and 13 Kbps (PureVoice™) to ensure voice quality similar to landline. The payphones provide up to 14.4 Kbps data transmission rates and G3 14.4 Kbps fax transmissions, where CDMA data services are available.

QUALCOMM Leads Wireless Packet Data Innovations with Dormant Mode and Mobile IP Capabilities

New Features Offer Cost and Performance Advantages to Operators and Subscribers

ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 1998 -- CTIA WIRELESS `98 BOOTH #2539 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the introduction of two innovative features that enhance basic packet data capabilities. Providing both operators and consumers with economic and functional benefits. The Dormant Mode feature is a key enabler in making data services cost- and resource-efficient for operators and consumers. Mobile IP (Internet Protocol), the Internet proposed standard for mobility, adds functionality to CDMA networks by offering seamless mobility to data users. Mobile IP is implemented in Cisco's Internetwork Operating System (IOS)™ software, which is integrated in QUALCOMM's QCore™ Base Station Controller (BSC). QUALCOMM, the first wireless network supplier to demonstrate basic packet data services at CTIA '97, continues to lead the industry in CDMA wireless data as the first vendor to implement these enhancements to packet data.

"The combined expertise of Cisco in networking solutions and QUALCOMM in CDMA wireless solutions has resulted in a foundation for a new generation of data applications and services for the mobile professional," said Cliff Meltzer, vice president and general manager of IOS Technology and Engineering Operations at Cisco Systems Incorporated. "The synergy between Cisco IOS software-based Mobile IP services and QUALCOMM's CDMA data services will provide wireless operators and customers new freedom and cost-effective flexibility in providing and using wireless data services."

"Our goal is to deliver data services that are beneficial and useful to both CDMA operators and CDMA customers. With these new innovations, operators can offer advanced data services while utilizing their network resources and spectrum efficiently," added John Major, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Division. "For example, the new Dormant Mode feature will reduce airtime charges for CDMA subscribers while their data connections are in 'sleep' mode, and operators can allocate this unused capacity to other subscribers on the network."

Basic packet data utilizes IP to transmit "packets" of data over a CDMA link, and is optimal for applications that send and receive data in bursts, such as sending and receiving e-mail, browsing the World Wide Web, or querying the Internet. Packet data offers a direct connection to the Internet in two to three seconds, and requires no "modem training time."

With QUALCOMM's new Dormant Mode feature, network resources are consumed only when data is being sent or received, resulting in benefits for both wireless operators and customers. In effect, the data connection goes into a "sleep" or "dormant" mode after a specified period of time passes without any data packets being transmitted. While in "dormant" mode, a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connection is maintained without actively using a traffic channel on the network, and the traffic channel can be allocated to other users on the network. When the user needs to send or receive a data packet, a traffic channel is automatically reactivated, making the "dormant" period transparent to the user. Hence, customers benefit from less airtime charges, and operators can allocate resources to other customers on the system in between bursts of data.

Dormant Mode is a key factor in reducing the costs of wireless data services to the consumer, as it introduces the concept of billing for data transmissions as they actually occur, as opposed to billing for the full duration of a data connection. In addition, operational costs to the carrier on a per subscriber basis are inversely related to the number of subscribers generating revenue on the network. Thus, the reallocation of "dormant" resources to revenue-generating users positively impacts operator profitability.

Mobile IP, an enhancement to basic packet data services, allows users to maintain a continuous data connection and retain a single IP address while traveling between base station controllers (BSCs) or roaming on other CDMA networks. Maintaining a consistent IP address, as with Mobile IP, gives the user transparent access to the corporate Intranet and the freedom to roam seamlessly between their wired home networks and wireless CDMA networks.

Packet data, which is part of the IS-707 data standard, is currently supported for speeds up to 14.4 Kbps, and will be commercially available, on QUALCOMM infrastructure in March 1998. Dormant Mode and Mobile IP services are planned for commercial availability in the second half of 1998.

Basic, Dormant Mode and Mobile IP Packet data services can be readily implemented in QUALCOMM's QCore BSC with the appropriate CDMA data software, and the addition of an off-the-shelf Cisco network router with Cisco IOS software. The router can be connected directly to the Internet, allowing operators to bypass the public switched telephone network (PSTN) when offering Internet access to their customers. The CDMA data software, Cisco router platform and Cisco IOS software can be shipped fully configured from QUALCOMM's wireless infrastructure factory.

The QCore BSC, which includes an integrated Interworking Function (IWF), dynamically allocates resources for fax, voice and data on a per-call basis. This means that all system resources are available for any type of call, and in real time. The QCore BSC, which employs a streamlined architecture designed specifically for CDMA, offers many advantages to operators, including reduced capital investment, faster implementation of new features and services, and simpler resource planning.

QUALCOMM's CDMA systems employ a "packetized" backbone for voice, so packet capabilities are already inherent in the equipment, allowing for easy integration of packet data services. Because data is handled similarly to voice in the network, CDMA's inherent variable rate transmission capability also applies to data services, allowing the data rate to be determined by the amount of information being sent. Therefore, CDMA data utilizes system resources on an as-needed basis, resulting in even greater spectral efficiency for operators.

QUALCOMM's integrated, single-platform solution for standardized IS-707 data services, including circuit-switched data, digital fax and enhanced packet data, operates in cellular, Personal Communications Services (PCS) and wireless local loop networks. As the developer of CDMA, QUALCOMM continues to demonstrate its expertise in maximizing the performance of CDMA technology across its infrastructure, equipment, subscriber products and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). QUALCOMM continues to invest in research, development and standardization of new CDMA features and services, as well as enhanced digital wireless technologies.

QUALCOMM and Ortel Announce Positive Results From Extensive Testing Process To Provide Receive Diversity In CDMA Repeater Products

Development of Receive Diversity Underscores Commitment to Quality and Performance for CDMA Networks

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated and Ortel Corporation today announced that the two companies have engaged in an extensive testing process for providing receive diversity in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) repeaters.

QUALCOMM and Ortel are working together to develop and optimize the required technology for a receive diversity option in these repeaters, and have successfully demonstrated measurable performance improvements through the use of diversity. "Repeaters are a proven, cost-effective technology for enhancing coverage and expanding cell site footprints in CDMA networks," said Richard Dean, vice president of technology, QUALCOMM. "Building on the inherent benefits of CDMA technology, the use of receive diversity in a CDMA repeater has been shown to reduce mobile transmitter power and reduce Eb/N0, resulting in an increased range for the repeater and cell site, improved battery life for the mobile, and improved capacity for the cell site associated with the repeater."

"CDMA operators have experienced the benefits of using repeaters as strategic network elements to serve difficult coverage areas and expand roll-out," said Hal Zarem, director of marketing, wireless communications, Ortel Corporation. "Operators who are now at the next stage of optimizing their networks are eager to improve performance to keep pace with their increasing coverage and capacity needs -- repeaters are again meeting these requirements, providing a low-cost, high-performance solution for CDMA networks."

QUALCOMM Announces Next Generation CDMA Single-chip Modem with Support for High Data Rates and Very Low Power Consumption

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 1998 -- PRNewswire -- CTIA WIRELESS '98 BOOTH #2539 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the introduction of MSM3000, the next generation single-chip Mobile Station Modem (MSM) baseband processing solution featuring data rates greater than 64 kbps, a new microprocessor architecture, advanced power control and several other new features. The high data rates will be supported by IS-95B compliant infrastructure and enable effective use of handsets for a new breed of Internet applications with fast packet switched access to databases, e-mail and web browsing.

The MSM3000 includes proprietary CDMA building blocks, an ARM(R) MCU and several DSP cores integrated onto a single chip. Target applications include subscriber units for multi-mode cellular and PCS handset and data communications devices. The MSM3000 interfaces directly to QUALCOMM's new IF chips, IFT3000 and IFR3000, which perform all transmit and receive signal processing required between digital baseband and RF. Together, the MSM3000, IFT3000/IFR3000 and RF front end make up all the system hardware necessary for an entire IS-95A or IS-95B CDMA compliant subscriber unit. "The MSM3000 is the first single-chip baseband solution for any cellular or PCS standard to enable data speeds at and above 64 kbps. Taking advantage of CDMA technology enabled us to make the MSM3000 very low powered and cost efficient. The entire feature set has been carefully developed in close interaction with customers in worldwide markets throughout the definition and design process," said Johan Lodenius, vice president of marketing for QUALCOMM's ASIC Products Division.

The new SuperFinger™ demodulator architecture in MSM3000 supports simultaneous demodulation of up to six or eight channels, depending on rate- set used, for a maximum speed of 86.4 kbps. The chip is asymmetrically optimized for typical client-server, e-mail and web-browsing applications with speeds up to 14.4 kbps on the reverse link. The SuperFinger architecture uses a minimum of silicon real estate for a very cost-effective and low-power implementation. With the introduction of ARM7 TDMI, the MSM family gets a much higher performance microcontroller with lower power consumption and smaller relative compiled code size. To facilitate software development, the ARM peripherals have been customized by QUALCOMM to facilitate in-phone debugging capabilities of production handsets. The existing MSM code base and RTOS is being ported to the ARM and then re-layered, closely meeting the need for smooth migration and fast implementation of new services and user interfaces.

A new enhanced sleep controller for both CDMA and AMPS Mode will cut power consumption significantly, both in the chip and entire phone. An estimated 200 hours of stand-by time is expected using an 800 mAh battery in CDMA mode and about a 2x improvement of AMPS stand-by time. The MSM3000 supports 8k and 13k QCELP(R) and EVRC vocoders as well as new Voice Recognition functions, meeting the increasing practical and legal need for new user interfaces with hands-free operation. The MSM3000 has a new pinout with many similarities to previous MSM generations and is backwards compatible with existing radio designs. To allow for flexibility in design, it will be fabricated in a 0.35 um process at 2.7 V min. and later in a 0.25 um process with 2.3 V min. in 196-pin PBGA and 176- pin TQFP packages.

First engineering samples are expected to be available in the summer of 1998 with production quantities expected in late 1998. The MSM3000 will be available from several world-class foundries to ensure security of supply. "As we continue to introduce leading-edge CDMA microelectronics, the MSM3000 is an important next step allowing our customers to design even more feature rich CDMA handset and data products with confidence. With our extensively tested chipset and software products and technical support, customers are ensured of timely high-quality results without sacrificing flexibility to add own innovations," said Donald Schrock, president of QUALCOMM's ASIC Products Division.

QUALCOMM Announces Plans to Support IS-95-B CDMA System Enhancements

IS-95-B Standard Offers Higher DataRates, Greater System Capacity and Improved System Performance

ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 1998 -- CTIA WIRELESS '98 BOOTH #2539 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated announced today plans to support key features outlined in the TIA/EIA-95-B standard, commonly referred to as IS-95-B, on its cdmaOne™ infrastructure platform. QUALCOMM is actively involved in the ongoing definition and refinement of the IS-95-B standard, which is currently being balloted by the standards bodies. The IS-95-B updates are intended to improve the performance of cdmaOne systems and to improve the data speeds that can be offered to end-users, QUALCOMM has begun development efforts to ensure that key IS-95-B features will be available to cdmaOne operators in the near-term support of Medium Data Rates (MDR), further improvements in soft handoffs and interfrequency hard handoffs, and enhancements to system access (call setup).

"In keeping with our goal to rapidly provide operators with the most advanced CDMA features, such as data services, as well as to maximize CDMA technology performance through ongoing enhancements to our infrastructure products, QUALCOMM is proud to announce plans to offer IS-95-B features beginning in early 1999," said John Major, president of QUALCOMM's wireless infrastructure division. "Especially significant to operators is QUALCOMM's support of medium data rates, which will allow CDMA operators to offer wireless data speeds up to 57.6 kbps, and even higher speeds as the demand for data services grows."

One of the most valuable IS-95-B improvements is the ability to provide CDMA data rates higher than the 14.4 kbps currently supported on QUALCOMM's CDMA systems. The IS-95-B specifications have been written so that manufacturers of subscriber units and infrastructure equipment can potentially support data rates of up to 115 kbps. This leap in data speeds is attained by aggregating up to eight CDMA traffic channels for data transmission (8 x 14.4 kbps = 1151 kbps). While