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Sprint PCS to Offer First Sanyo PCS Phone in U.S. Market KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 24, 1998 -- Sprint PCS and Sanyo Fisher Company today announced the nationwide availability of the first Sprint PCS/Sanyo PCS dual-band phone designed for the U.S. market. The phone will be available this month. Co-branded Sanyo and Sprint, the Sanyo SCP-3000 phone comes packaged with a standard lithium ion battery and AC adapter, and has a suggested retail price of $149.99. The Sanyo SCP-3000 phone will be available in Sprint PCS Centers in the Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network. "Sprint PCS is delighted to offer Sanyo's dual-band phone to our expanding customer base," said Phil Garrison, vice president and general manager of subscriber equipment for Sprint PCS. "Sanyo is a world leader in digital communication and rechargeable battery technologies, and we are excited to include their high-quality, high-value new phone in our extensive product line." Designed to fit today's seemingly non-stop business lifestyles, the Sanyo SCP-3000, equipped with a standard lithium ion battery, provides approximately 2.5 hours of talk-time or 60 hours of standby time while in digital mode. Other features on the handset include a vibrating ringer and a universal headset jack. The Sanyo SCP-3000 weighs 6.5 ounces and has an optional extended lithium ion battery that provides up to 5.5 hours of talk time or up to 100 hours of standby time. Users can talk up to 5.5 hours without recharging or, if necessary, keep the phone powered "on" for most of the work week. "The Sanyo SCP-3000 is a technologically advanced phone designed to offer consumers and businesses a generous and well-balanced feature package at a very affordable price," said Isaac Levy, vice president and deputy general manager for Sanyo Fisher Company's Communication/Office Automation Division. "It is also an ideal phone to take advantage of the superior call clarity, security, nationwide reach and full range of digital messaging features that characterizes the Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network. We at Sanyo Fisher Company are very proud to begin this relationship with Sprint PCS and look forward to a long-standing and successful alliance. "The Sanyo SCP-3000 is the first dual-band Sanyo PCS (CDMA/AMPS) phone to be sold in the United States-the company has already established itself as a leader in Japan's domestic market with its personal digital cellular (PDC) and digital personal handy-phone systems (PHS). In the United States, Chatsworth, California-based Sanyo Fisher Company markets a complete line of technologically advanced Sanyo Digital Spread Spectrum and 900 MHz analog cordless telephones.
Southwest PCS to Build, Operate Networks in
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas DALLAS, Nov. 18, 1998 -- Southwest PCS, a Sprint PCS affiliate, will build and operate wireless networks in four states using Nortel Networks* cdmaOne* (IS-95 CDMA) radio base station and switching equipment. Southwest PCS will purchase US$36 million worth of CDMA network equipment from Nortel Networks over the next three years. The company will provide wireless service under the Sprint PCS brand in north Texas, Oklahoma, western Arkansas, and central and eastern Kansas using A and B block spectrum owned by Sprint PCS. Much of the initial coverage provided by Southwest PCS will span highways connecting Dallas and Oklahoma City. Sprint PCS already offers service using Nortel Networks equipment in Oklahoma City, and from Dallas south to Austin and San Antonio. "As the first affiliate to build a portion of the Sprint PCS network, we look forward to providing service to subscribers driving between Dallas and Oklahoma City," said Tom Riley, managing general partner, Southwest PCS. "State-of-the-art Nortel Networks CDMA technology will allow us to offer efficiently and cost-effectively the high-quality of service for which Sprint PCS is known. "Nortel Networks flexible CDMA solutions help operators such as Southwest PCS to exceed the needs of subscribers who must be in touch regularly with their office or home while on the road," said Nancy White, vice-president and general manager, US region, Wireless, Nortel Networks. Nortel Networks CDMA digital wireless networks are in service or under construction in more than 80 cities around the world, serving more than a million subscribers. Nortel has shipped more than 7,000 CDMA base Nortel Networks works with customers worldwide to design, build, and deliver telecommunications and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.
Bell Atlantic Mobile To Introduce CDMA2000
Third Generation (3G) Technology in 1999 LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 1998 -- Bell Atlantic Mobile, a pioneer in the commercialization of the world's fastest-growing digital wireless technology, today announced it will begin phased introduction of new high-speed wireless data capabilities over its existing cdmaOne™ network in 1999. The next-generation wireless services are based on CDMA2000 third generations (3G) enhancements provided by Lucent Technologies. The announcement was made at the CDMA Americans Congress, meeting here this week. The cdmaOne digital wireless standard employs code division multiple access (CDMA) to offer wireless phone users near-landline voice clarity and a "soft handoff" of mobile calls that is virtually unnoticeable as compared with analog and other digital cellular technologies. Bell Atlantic Mobile operates one of the world's most geographically-expansive cdmaOne networks, primarily on Lucent equipment. An early adopter of CDMA technology, Bell Atlantic Mobile implemented the standard following an extensive field trial conducted with Lucent's Bell Laboratories research and development arm in the early 1990s. Since then, Bell Atlantic Mobile introduced its popular SingleRate digital pricing plans. "With Lucent as our technology partner, we intend to make the most of our investment to enhance the quality, reliability and data-carrying capacity of our DigitalChoice™ cdmaOne service, said Ted Hoffman, vice-president of Technology Development. "Together, we will bring these services to market on today's commercial platforms, not tomorrow's experiment systems." The CDMA2000 technology takes advantage of the commercially-successful cdmaOne digital format. It combines radio spectrum to create a larger "pipe" for voice and data transmissions and can co-exist with the current cdmaOne network. This 5 MHz multi-carrier scheme will allow Bell Atlantic Mobile to simultaneously serve current customers, yet will cost-effectively support mobile data rates nearly eight times faster than today's modems. "Backward compatibility to existing cdmaOne is the linchpin for delivering these advanced services, and that's why we intend to deploy CDMA2000 capabilities in our network," Hoffman said. Specifically, he said:
Unlike other 3G proposals, Bell Atlantic Mobile customers will not have to surrender their current cdmaOne handsets when CDMA2000 services become available. Following an extensive testing program involving the two companies, including Bell Laboratories developers, the technology enhancement will be performed with minimal upgrades to the Lucent-supplied base stations. "This phase of evolution will allow us to introduce 3G data rate services quickly and at minimal cost while substantially increasing our current digital voice capacity within our existing spectrum. This will give us the most competitive cost structures in the world for wireless services," Hoffman said. "We are delighted to again collaborate with Bell Atlantic Mobile in pioneering the next generation of wireless," said David Poticny, vice president of wireless global standards for Lucent Technologies. "We fully support the imperative to begin implementing CDMA2000 enhancements in order to help maximize Bell Atlantic Mobile's investment in CDMA, particularly its cost efficiency, spectrum utilization and quality - all attributes that will carry forward into the next generation."
Leap Wireless International Operating Company Pegaso Signs $270 Million Agreement with Alcatel to Build Nationwide PCS Network in Mexico Presidents Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico, Jacques Chirac of France Attend Ceremony SAN DIEGO, Nov. 13, 1998 -- A subsidiary of Pegaso Telecomunicaciones,
S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation owned 33% by wireless communications carrier
Leap Wireless International, Inc. yesterday signed an agreement under which The agreement signals that Mexico is taking important steps forward by importing and operating the best technology available worldwide, Pegaso officials said. The agreement is the result of the relationship between the Mexican and French governments and the recent opening of the Mexican trading markets. Alcatel is expected to provide a wide variety of state-of-the-art equipment
and services to the Pegaso network, including towers, microwave transmission
equipment, switches, a billing system, and deployment services such as cell
site acquisition. Pegaso has already awarded QUALCOMM a contract for infrastructure
equipment, including QCell base stations and QCore base station controllers,
and related program management and deployment services. Pegaso is building a
network to provide digital PCS wireless services using Code Division Multiple
Access (CDMA) technology. The CDMA network will At yesterday's ceremony, Zedillo and Chirac were witnesses of honor at the ceremony where the agreement was signed by Alejandro Burillo Azcarraga, chairman of the board of Pegaso and president of international affairs of Televisa, the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world, and Anne Lauvergeon, president of international affairs of Alcatel. Other officials in attendance included Carlos Ruiz Sacristan, Mexico's secretary of communications and transport; Bruno Delaye, French Ambassador to Mexico; Armand Hazan, President of Alcatel-Mexico and Franco Bonfanti, general director of transmission of Alcatel. Pegaso's vision is to break down barriers between people and communication.
As part of Grupo Pegaso, which has played an important role in the development
and operation of communications services in Mexico over the last 30 years, Pegaso
plans to build one of the largest wireless networks on the American continent,
utilizing technology that meets the highest standards
Sprint PCS Announces Strategic Alliance With Wireless Knowledge: A QUALCOMM And Microsoft Company REDMOND, Wa., Nov. 10, 1998 -- Heralding a new era in the availability of wireless data services, Sprint PCS® today announced plans to partner with Wireless Knowledge, a QUALCOMM Incorporated, and Microsoft Corporation company, to provide its customers wireless access to vital corporate information and applications using any mobile device from any location in the 100-percent digital, nationwide Sprint PCS network. Sprint PCS expects to offer wireless data services in the first half of 1999. "As the nation's largest all-digital, national PCS network we are proud to be a part of Wireless Knowledge to deliver to our customers a real-time wireless connection to their applications from any device," said Al Kurtze, Sprint PCS chief operating officer. "We believe Wireless Knowledge is well positioned to achieve a true convergence of computing and wireless communications, regardless of technology or device, thereby enabling Sprint PCS to rapidly deliver a broad array of new wireless data services to our customers." Sprint PCS customers will soon be able to access their corporate email, calendars, contact databases and other essential information from anywhere on the extensive Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network. Sprint PCS data-capable CDMA phones, which provide crystal clear voice service, will also act as a data modem, eliminating the need for specialized data devices. To access their data, Sprint PCS customers will use a simple serial cable to connect to any computing device. For carriers, the Wireless Knowledge platform model enables rapid implementation of low-cost, value-added data services and applications, thereby increasing minutes of use and customer loyalty while reducing subscriber churn. Wireless Knowledge services will rollout for beta testing in early 1999, with launches in major North American markets proceeding through the remainder of 1999.
Leap Wireless International to Offer Innovative Wireless Data Services Provided by Wireless Knowledge: A Microsoft and Qualcomm Joint Venture * Customers to Benefit Both in the United States and Internationally SAN DIEGO, Nov. 10, 1998 -- Wireless communications carrier Leap Wireless International, Inc. today announced that it plans to offer access to cutting-edge wireless data services provided by Wireless Knowledge, the new joint venture between Microsoft and Qualcomm Incorporated. In conjunction with its strategic partners, Leap Wireless is building or anticipates building Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks in Mexico, Chile, Australia, Russia and the United States. Leap Wireless is currently evaluating when and where it will offer these new services. The company's plans would allow customers of Leap Wireless operating companies to access e-mail, calendars, contact databases and other essential information and applications regardless of their location or type of mobile device used. Under the plans, end-users would be able to connect to the Internet and their own business networks using digital phones, pagers, web access terminals (e.g. smart TVs and web kiosks) and computers running the Microsoft® Windows® CE, Windows® 95/98 or Windows NT® operating systems. "We are delighted to be associated with this new collaboration between Qualcomm, a leader in wireless innovation, and Microsoft," said Harvey P. White, chairman and CEO of Leap Wireless International. "Our networks will enable untethered communication anywhere in the world, and these services will add significant value to the features we provide our customers. In the future, these services should make information accessible to people from all walks of life, from consumers surfing the web for the best airfares to international business travelers looking up stock quotes," Mr. White said. Leap Wireless is exploring applications of the new services from Wireless Knowledge both in the United States and internationally. In the United States, Leap Wireless owns a 5.8% interest in Chase Telecommunications, which launched PCS service in Chattanooga, Tenn., in September and plans to launch in Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis in 1999. Leap Wireless has also filed an assignment application with the Federal Communications Commission to acquire four 10 MHz F block licenses covering 3.27 million potential customers (POPs) in the cities of Charlotte, Greensboro and Hickory, N.C. and Greenwood, S.C. For carriers, the Wireless Knowledge platform model will enable rapid implementation of low-cost, value-added data services and applications. Wireless Knowledge services are expected to rollout for beta testing in early 1999, with launches in major North American markets proceeding through the remainder of the year.
Bell Mobility, Partners Trial Wireless Office Solutions TORONTO, Nov. 9, 1998 -- Bell Mobility President and COO, Randy Reynolds, along with alliance partners GE Capital IT Solutions and Microsoft, announced plans for a trial of wireless data office solutions, to begin in early 1999 -- the first few leaps into the world of interactive wireless communications. "We're excited to be partnering with Bell Mobility and Microsoft to provide a total mobile solution and service experience that will meet the needs of corporate customers and their mobile workforce," said Pat Neilson, President and CEO, GE Capital IT Solutions (Canada). "Bell Mobility is pleased to be the first wireless carrier to partner with a major Canadian computer reseller, GE Capital IT Solutions, to deliver wireless computing solutions for corporate Canada," said Charlotte Burke, VP of Services Development at Bell Mobility. "Bringing data through advanced capabilities on our CDMA digital network we can now demonstrate, with our trial partners, the delivery of Internet, e-mail and new messaging to your PCS handset, palmtop or other mobile computing device." "These partnerships will bring improved productivity to mobile workers by making access to e-mail, electronic schedulers and corporate databases easy, anywhere, anytime, all through a wireless device," said Andrew Coulson, Manager Strategic Business Alliances of Microsoft Canada. CDMA has been recognized the world over as the right technology in the evolution
from the analog voice centric networks with some data usage to the future truly
mobile multi-media services. This, combined with the growth in Windows CE and
other palmtop devices, provides the platform for explosive growth in mobile
applications. GE Capital IT Solutions, as the leading provider of integrated
IT services and solutions, will provide the ability to integrate wireless computing
applications and hardware as a total solution for the corporate client. Charlotte
Burke added, "Bell Mobility's success in delivering wireless solutions
coupled with Microsoft's strength in software development and now GE Capital
IT Solutions strength in delivering and integrating these solutions will ensure
that customers enjoy a whole new era of wireless
AirTouch Cellular to Purchase Network Infrastructure From Nortel Networks; Los Angeles Market Readies for 21st Century LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6, 1998 -- AirTouch Cellular today announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Nortel Networks for the multi-year purchase of state-of the-art network switches, base stations and controllers. AirTouch expects to lower costs, meet future demands of wireless customers and achieve a better balance among its mix of infrastructure suppliers. Under the terms of the letter of intent, AirTouch will purchase analog and cdmaOne (IS-95 CDMA) digital network infrastructure for its Los Angeles market. This expansion is consistent with AirTouch's plans and is not expected to affect the company's planned 1998 or 1999 financial results, including total capital expenditures. "When we went out to bid for equipment for our expansion into the Southern California desert area, Nortel Networks made us a very compelling offer to supply new equipment for all of Los Angeles," explained Nancy Hobbs, executive vice president and general manager with AirTouch Cellular. "We like the Nortel Networks solution today, and we share their vision of the future. Their bid gave us an opportunity to upgrade our network to meet customer needs for the next century, and to reduce costs over time." "By furthering our multi-vendor strategy, we've introduced more supplier competition for our business and driven network costs lower," said Hobbs. The Nortel Networks equipment provides a dual-mode network environment that handles both analog and digital calls. The transition in Los Angeles is expected to be transparent to customers. "We believe the performance of our CDMA portfolio, our track record with large digital network rollouts and our Unified Networks vision of future, IP-based networks and services were instrumental in this award," said Matt Desch, president, Wireless, Nortel Networks. "Nortel Networks and AirTouch have enjoyed a satisfying and mutually beneficial working relationship for years, including most recently our CDMA digital rollouts in Detroit and the Great Lakes region last year," said Desch. "We look forward to building on that success in Los Angeles." Following the Los Angeles deal, Nortel Networks will supply about 40 percent of the network infrastructure for AirTouch's U.S. cellular markets. As part of its multi-vendor strategy, AirTouch remains committed to Motorola which still provides hundreds of millions of dollars in equipment for about 40 percent of AirTouch's cellular networks in the United States. "We have a solid relationship with Motorola and will continue to rely on their products to support other cellular networks as well as our paging and handset needs," said Mike Polosky, executive vice president, network systems at AirTouch. Lucent and Ericsson supply the remaining 20 percent of network infrastructure for AirTouch's U.S. Cellular markets. AirTouch serves over 7 million U.S. cellular customers and operates in 22 of the top 30 U.S. markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, Detroit, Cleveland, San Jose, Sacramento, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Denver, Phoenix, and Minneapolis.
LG Information & Communications and Unwired Planet Announce Enhanced Wireless Internet Capabilities for CDMA Community Duo Set to Offer Wireless Internet Services on CDMA Handsets in North America and Korea REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 19, 1998 -- Unwired Planet, Inc. (UP) today
announced that it has licensed the WAP-compatible UP.Browser™ to LG Information
& Communications, Inc. (LGIC), a manufacturer of CDMA handsets for the North
American and Korean markets. LGIC will integrate the most popular microbrowser
in their CDMA handsets to deliver wireless Internet information services and
applications on CDMA networks.
Low Cost, Flexible Infrastructure Key to Future Mobile Data, Nortel Networks Tells CDMA Americas Congress LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 1998 -- With one of every four personal computers now mobile, demand for Internet services over wireless networks presents a tremendous opportunity in the not-too-distant future. Operators already capitalizing on the high capacity and superior voice quality of cdmaOne* (IS-95 CDMA) digital wireless technology are well positioned to benefit from this opportunity, Nortel Networks is telling attendees at the 1998 CDMA Americas Congress this week in Los Angeles. "It's evident that wireline operators are experiencing a rapid increase in data traffic, and wireless will undoubtedly do the same over time" said Dave Murashige, vice-president, CDMA marketing and product line management, Nortel Networks. "Our focus is on low-cost, flexible network infrastructure that can provide the gateway to tomorrow's mobile data. It must be a robust, cost-effective, end-to-end solution." Nortel Networks addresses the current and future needs of Wireless operators with Unified Networks* which support multiple services today and offer evolution to an Internet Protocol (IP) optimized architecture for the future. "Unified Networks create tremendous value for operators by unifying data and voice, wireless and wireline, routing and switching - all in a cost-effective manner," Murashige said. "Our Unified Networks vision includes IP-optimized networks for data, voice, image and Internet services. It is an integrated approach to network evolution that can stimulate multimedia applications development to get wireless operators into the data game early." The Nortel Networks exhibit at the 1998 CDMA Americas Congress Features the Nortel Networks CDMA Minicell, the latest in a family of base station solutions designed to support current and projected traffic needs in both metropolitan and rural service deployments. Nortel Networks CDMA base stations offer lower cost of ownership; modular solutions for fixed, mobile or hybrid applications; and compatibility with future third generation wireless standards. Nortel Networks CDMA digital wireless networks are in service or under construction in more than 80 cities around the world, serving more than a million subscribers. Nortel Network has shipped more than 7,000 CDMA base stations. Nortel Networks works with customers worldwide to design, build, and deliver telephony and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.
Nortel Networks Trials CDMA Circuit Switched Data Enhances IS-707 Data, Fax Capabilities with FastConnect to Packet Networks LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 1998 -- Nortel Networks* is conducting live trials of cdmaOne* (IS-95 CDMA) circuit switched data (IS-707) services with Bell Mobility and other selected customers, and in the Nortel Networks Wireless Internet Lab in Dallas. The announcement was made in conjunction with the 1998 CDMA Americas Congress this week in Los Angeles. "This technology provides fast, reliable access to the Internet, to corporate intranets and to commercial information services," said Dave Murashige, vice-president, CDMA marketing and product line management, Nortel Networks. "And by leveraging existing CDMA infrastructure, it does so cost-effectively." Nortel Networks CDMA circuit switched data - with optional FastConnect capability - permits mobile and fixed wireless users on 800 and 1900 MHz CDMA networks to connect to the Internet, to send and receive e-mail messages and faxes, and to access mission-critical corporate information resources. FastConnect enables mobile-originated data calls to bypass the public voice telephone network and connect directly to packet data networks. This improves performance by significantly reducing connect time, and cuts cost by eliminating the need for modem pools. Nortel Networks CDMA circuit switched data capability is included in the MTX 07 software release now available for DMS*-MTX* digital mobile switching systems. The Nortel Networks Wireless Internet Lab is a multimillion-dollar effort on the part of industry, universities and operators to develop end-to-end wireless Internet and multimedia services. Nortel Networks CDMA digital wireless networks are in service or under construction in more than 80 cities around the world, serving more than a million subscribers. Nortel has shipped more than 7,000 CDMA base stations. Nortel Networks works with customers worldwide to design, build, and deliver telephony and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.
Motorola is World Leader Among Commercial CDMA Network Providers; Cahners In-Stat Group Analysis Shows CDMA Pioneer Also has Broadest International Reach SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, Nov. 16, 1998 -- Motorola, Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) is the leading international provider of commercial CDMA digital cellular networks, according to a new study of the wireless marketplace release today by the Cahners In-Stat Group, a leading wireless industry research and consulting firm. The Cahners In-Stat Group analysis shows Motorola CIG with a total of 31 commercial system awards internationally, compared to Lucent, 17; Qualcomm with 16; Nortel, 10; and Samsung, four. In terms of an international footprint, Motorola CIG also is the industry leader, with a commercial CDMA network presence in 16 countries outside of the U.S. By comparison, Cahners In-Stat Group placed Qualcomm second in the international marketplace with commercial system awards in 12 countries. Nortel has deployed systems in seven countries, followed by Lucent in six, and Samsung in three countries. The Cahners In-Stat Group analysis is based on company announcements made during 1997 through year-to-date 1998 and includes awards for digital cellular, Personal Communications Service and wireless local loop. Ray Jodoin, senior analyst with Cahners In-Stat Group's Wireless Service, stated that "Not only did Motorola penetrate the largest number of countries on a worldwide basis, but they also maintained a 41.9% share of the total worldwide revenue. This is a notable accomplishment in view of the strength of their competition." Gene Delaney, senior vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG, said "Cahners In-Stat Group is continuously providing the cellular industry with accurate and up-to-date facts and figures. We are very happy to be recognized by a reliable research and consulting group -- and our customers - as a leader in the deployment of CDMA systems worldwide." The world's first CDMA network was installed by Motorola CIG in Hong Kong and began commercial operation in September 1995. Motorola CIG has since launched commercial systems in some of the world's largest cellular markets including Japan, Brazil, India, Israel and Peru. Today, more than 16 million subscribers use CDMA phones worldwide. CDMA is the newest and most advanced of the digital systems, offering high capacity and efficient use of the frequency band. During a mobile phone call CDMA digitizes the voice prior to transmission, then reproduces the original voice signal at the receiving end of the call. CDMA, which produces virtually no static or crossed signals, is especially well suited for transmitting high-quality multi-media services, a requirement for the new third generation systems.
Latest Software for Nortel Networks DMS-MTX Digital Mobile Switching System Can Enhance Revenues, Reduce Costs for Wireless Operators DALLAS, Nov. 12, 1998 -- Wireless operators can offer their customers increased safety and security, generate new revenues and enhance network operating efficiencies with new system software now available for the DMS*-MTX*family of digital mobile switching systems from Nortel Networks* [NYSE: NT/TSE: NTL]. For operators of cdmaOne* (IS-95 CDMA) and TDMA IS-136 digital and AMPS analog wireless networks, Nortel Networks MTX 07 software adds E911 and local number portability, enhanced fraud prevention capabilities, and over-the-air service provisioning to the extensive portfolio of services available for DMS-MTX and DMS-MTX SuperNode switching systems. "MTX 07 can deliver a number of potential benefits to operators and subscribers," said Alastair Westgarth, vice-president, TDMA product line management, Nortel Networks. "The ability to support a stand-alone Home Location Register (HLR), for instance, brings increased operating efficiencies to the switch while allowing for delivery of desirable new features." Stand-alone HLR capability can increase efficiency by reducing messaging overhead on the switch while providing intersystem roaming and enhanced, revenue-generating services such as voice mail, calling line ID, sales force automation and data applications. Nortel Networks MTX 07 includes Enhanced 911 and Phase 1 local number portability in compliance with FCC requirements. Enhanced 911 delivers the wireless caller's phone number to the 911 operator. Local number portability allows a subscriber to keep the same phone number when switching from wireless operator to another. Operators and subscribers alike can benefit from the convenience and cost savings of over-the-air service provisioning (OTASP) and selective authentication, both included in Nortel Networks MTX 07. OTASP allows remote activation of digital handsets, speeding and simplifying service start-up for new customers while reducing the operator's cost of new customer acquisition. Selective authentication provides enhanced fraud prevention with reduced message overhead to minimize the impact on system capacity. For TDMA operators, Nortel Networks MTX 07 software supports enhanced frequency reuse through N=4, a capability that provides increased network capacity. For CDMA operators, Nortel Networks MTX 07 software supports IS-707 circuit-switched data and fax capabilities, with a FastConnect feature that provides direct connection to packet networks for reduced modem synchronization and call set-up time. Nortel Networks MTX 07 also provides a number of performance enhancements for CDMA networks, including Smart Multi-Carrier Traffic Allocation. This Nortel Networks innovation intelligently manages multi-frequency calls, and can provide as much as a 20 percent increase in RF capacity in two and three-carrier configurations. Other CDMA RF enhancements supported by Nortel Networks MTX 07 include Intersystem Soft Handoff, Inter-BSC Soft Handoff and Multi-Pilot Hard Handoff. MTX 07 also works in conjunction with other network elements to improve network speed and capacity. "MTX 07 and our CDMA Base Station Manager can give operators as much as a tenfold increase in processing speed for many applications," said Dave Murashige, vice-president, CDMA marketing and product line management, Nortel Networks. "Additionally, MTX 07 supports a Dual Base Station Controller feature that allows a single-switch CDMA network to support up to 300 base stations."
Microsoft and QUALCOMM Form Broad Strategic Alliance and Joint Venture Joint Venture Company Backed by Nine Leading Wireless Carriers REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 10, 1998 -- QUALCOMM Inc. (Nasdaq: QCOM) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced the formation of a broad strategic partnership to enable secure and airlink-independent Internet access to all mobile users. As part of the alliance, Microsoft and QUALCOMM have created a new joint venture company named WirelessKnowledge LLC, an equally held company whose charter will be to bring true convergence to the computing and wireless communications industries. WirelessKnowledge's operating strategy includes forming strategic partnerships with computing, software and telecommunications companies as well as with wireless carriers including AirTouch Communications, AT & T Wireless Services, Bell Atlantic Mobile, Bell Mobility (Canada), BellSouth, GTE Wireless, Leap Wireless International, Sprint PCS and US West Wireless. WirelessKnowledge services are built on an end-to-end architecture based on
industry-standard technologies including the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE operating
system, the Microsoft BackOffice(R) family and Microsoft Commercial Internet
System (MCIS). WirelessKnowledge will be accessible over all "Increasingly powerful mobile telephones and computers and WirelessKnowledge services will together enable millions of consumers to access a rich variety of information any time, anyplace," said Dr. Irwin M. Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of QUALCOMM. "Further, through this QUALCOMM and Microsoft joint venture, enterprises and small businesses will have the power to retain their familiar enterprise software but extend their reach from the field to the back office at the touch of a button." "Wireless data is a logical extension of the Microsoft digital nervous system, enabling users to always be connected to their corporate and personal information," said Steve Ballmer, president of Microsoft. "Microsoft is committed to working with partners to provide an end-to-end solution set that is based on Internet standards. WirelessKnowledge is an important component of this overall strategy." "The WirelessKnowledge services will be rolled out in phases," said John Major, president and chief executive officer of WirelessKnowledge. "With commercial availability slated for the first half of next year, wireless carriers will be able to deliver valuable new services to their customers, regardless of technology or device preference, through the portal of WirelessKnowledge." Through WirelessKnowledge services, brought to consumers by their wireless carriers, end users will be able to connect to the Internet and their own business networks from digital phones, desktop and laptop computers running the Windows CE, Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT(R) operating systems, smart phones, pagers and Web access terminals (e.g., smart TVs, Web kiosks). "The formidable partnership between WirelessKnowledge and the carriers should dramatically enhance the wealth of data services available for mobile users," said Andrew Seybold of the Andrew Seybold Consulting Group. "This consortium is poised to become a leader of the wireless data and application services market, which is estimated to be over 20 billion dollars by the year 2002." In addition to the joint venture and as part of the broader strategic alliance, Microsoft and QUALCOMM will also pursue the following:
WirelessKnowledge will have headquarters in San Diego. Initial service offerings, available on an OEM basis to carriers in early 1999, will include data services to maintain messaging, e-mail, calendaring, contact list and basic information services through the Internet, plus access to Exchange-based corporate networks. Additional features and services will be added over time. QUALCOMM Inc. is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on the company's CDMA digital technology. The company's major business areas include CDMA digital phones, ASICs, wireless infrastructure, technology licensing, and satellite-based systems including OmniTRACS(R) and portions of the Globalstar™ system. With headquarters in San Diego, QUALCOMM's fiscal 1998 revenues exceeded $3 billion (U.S.). For more information, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.qualcomm.com/. Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including timely product development, the company's ability to successfully manufacture significant quantities of CDMA or other equipment on a timely and profitable basis, and those related to performance guarantees, changes in economic conditions of the various markets the company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended Sept. 28, 1997, and the most recent Form 10-Q. NOTE: QUALCOMM and OmniTRACS are registered trademarks of QUALCOMM Inc. Globalstar is a trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services Inc. Microsoft, Windows, BackOffice and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
QUALCOMM Combines Wireless Infrastructure Division With Communication Systems Division and Introduces QUALCOMM Wireless Systems Jerry Beckwith to Lead Combined Division, Converging Satellite and Terrestrial Wireless Network Offerings SAN DIEGO, Nov. 10, 1998 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the formation of QUALCOMM Wireless Systems, which combines its Wireless Infrastructure Division and Communication Systems Division. The new division, which focuses on CDMA infrastructure for mobile and fixed service and the satellite-based Globalstar™ system, will leverage the technologies and common strengths of these businesses. Jerry Beckwith, president of QUALCOMM's Communication Systems Division, will assume responsibility for the new division. Concurrent with this change, John Major, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Division, will become president and CEO of Wireless Knowledge, LLC, a recently announced joint venture of QUALCOMM and Microsoft. "We believe this move will further strengthen our terrestrial- and satellite-based businesses by leveraging their common technologies and presence in the same regions," said Richard Sulpizio, president and chief operating officer of QUALCOMM. "Under Jerry's leadership, this new division will focus on creating and delivering the wireless products and services needed to continue to build our infrastructure and satellite businesses." "QUALCOMM has a tremendous opportunity to build on the successes these businesses have seen to date in supplying products and services to nearly 50 countries," said Beckwith. "By unifying the businesses, we can meet a wider variety of customer needs for their target market segments, using CDMA technology, products and applications." Since 1994, Beckwith has served as president of QUALCOMM's Communication Systems Division. In this role, he has driven sales, marketing, operations and wireless product development for commercial and government customers worldwide. He currently leads QUALCOMM's participation in the Globalstar low-earth-orbit satellite-based digital telecommunications system. Under Beckwith's leadership, QUALCOMM has entered into a number of contracts involving the Globalstar system which, in aggregate, are expected to generate revenues in excess of $1 billion over the life of the contracts. Beckwith has more than 20 years of experience in engineering and management of communications programs. Since joining QUALCOMM in 1987, Beckwith has held senior management positions driving various initiatives, including the initial commercialization of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), OmniTRACS® and government systems. Beckwith previously worked at M/A-COM Linkabit where he was responsible for network systems programs. He started his career with General Dynamics as an electrical engineer after graduating summa cum laude from San Diego State University with bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering.
Motorola Signs $100 Mln Korean Digital Phone Deal SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 2, 1998 -- Telecommunications and technology conglomerate Motorola Inc. said Monday that South Korea's SK Telecom signed a $100 million deal for 400,000 of Motorola's new digital telephones. SK Telecom is South Korea's largest cellular service provider with over 5.5 million subscribers, Motorola said. Of those, 4.7 million use Code Division Multiple Access phones, which transmit voice into a stream of digital information. Motorola will supply its 800 MHz CDMA StarTAC phones in the initial phase. "We are pleased that SK Telecom has chosen Motorola CDMA digital phones," said Roger Kung, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Motorola's Asia Cellular Subscriber Group. "We're confident Korean consumers will find what consumers worldwide have found-Motorola's StarTAC™ phones provide the utmost in convenience in a wearable form factor." Motorola said SK Telecom is ranked 8th worldwide in terms of number of subscribers. South Korea had 12.2 million mobile phone subscribers in service at the end of September 1998.
Telesp Cellular Selects Lucent Technologies To Build CDMA Wireless Networks In San Paulo, Brazil SAO PAULO, Brazil, Nov. 3, 1998 -– Lucent Technologies today announced that it has been selected by Telesp Cellular, which is owned by Portugal Telecom, to build wireless networks based on code division multiple access (CDMA) in the metropolitan area and in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo. In the privatization of Telebras in July, Portugal Telecom, S.A. won the wireless region of Telesp Cellular, covering the state of Sao Paulo, which is the largest cellular market in Brazil. Managing a network of more than 1.6 millions subscribers, the Telesp cellular wireless network can be considered among the largest in Latin America. The award is subject to negotiation of final terms and conditions. Lucent Technologies will provide its flagship 5ESS® AnyMedia™ switching platform, and 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. Last week Lucent announced that it had been selected by the cellular companies owned by Grupo Telefonica in Brazil to build CDMA wireless networks in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sergipe. "We are delited to continue our long-standing affiliation with one of our first customers in Brazil as it is invigoration under new ownership," said Virgillo Freire, president of Lucent Technologies in Brazil. "Being selected by both Portugal Telecom and Grupo Telefonica is further proof that our customers in Brazil are confident in the reliability of our equipment and the performance of our people. These projects will firmly establish Lucent as a leading wireless infrastructure provider in Brazil." Lucent’s 5ESS® AnyMedia™ 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. 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. CDMA reduces the static and cross-talk sometimes heard on analog systems, and provides a "soft hand-off" capability that makes call hand-offs between cell sites and mobile switching centers (MSCs) virtually unnoticeable to customers.
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