Global CDMA Wireless Consumers Enjoy Wireless Internet and Information Services Today

CDMA Worldwide Subscribers

 

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 9, 2000 -- During a live, interactive Web cast today, the CDMA Development Group (CDG) announced that CDMA technology, in keeping with its history of rapid growth, has more than doubled its subscriber base within a 12-month period. CDMA now reaches more than 57 million users worldwide, solidifying the technology's position as one of the top two wireless standards. The CDG expects the continued demand for wireless Internet and information services, and soon the delivery of third-generation services (3G), will further increase CDMA technology's global presence in the near term.

Today's announcement was made during a Web cast hosted by the CDG with leading wireless analysts Mark Lowenstein, executive vice president for wireless strategies at the Yankee Group, and Ken Hyers, wireless analyst for Cahners In-stat discussing "Wireless Internet - Information Anytime, Anywhere". The Web cast can be viewed at www.digevent.com.

From March 1999 to March 2000, CDMA subscribers increased 101 percent with North America reaching nearly 19 million and the Asia Pacific region holding its dominant position with 32 million. Now totaling more than 6.5 million, Latin America experienced the strongest growth increasing 321 percent.

"The proliferation of wireless Internet and information services has made it an exciting time for the global wireless community, especially for CDMA operators and manufacturers," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "With the upcoming rollout of 3G networks, CDMA will only continue to set record-breaking growth patterns." LaForge added, "CDMA technology's growth is really just now starting to begin. With China preparing for commercial rollout, and the continued success in both North and South America, CDMA operators and manufacturers are at a distinct advantage in that they have the opportunity to be first to market advanced services such as full multimedia capabilities." CDMA has achieved numerous milestones within record-breaking time. CDMA provides mobile operators and manufacturers the ability to offer a variety of value-added services today, such as wireless Internet and information services. In addition, CDMA technology benefits wireless consumers with industry-leading in-building penetration, longer battery talk and standby time, increased privacy and better security.