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Clearnet Announces PCS Roaming Agreement
Providing National United States Coverage
Industry News PICKERING, Ontario, Sept. 30, 1997 – In preparation for its upcoming PCS service launch, Clearnet Communications Inc. ("Clearnet") today announced a roaming agreement with Spring PCS of Kansas City, Missouri, which will provide Clearnet PCS clients with extensive digital PCS coverage across the United States. The PCS licenses owned by Sprint PCS means that Clearnet will ultimately be able to offer its clients the ability to roam and use their PCS handsets across all 50 US states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. "Clearnet PCS will be the easiest PCS product to buy and to own in Canada. We wanted to ensure it was just as easy for our clients to take their phones with them to the United States," said George Cope, Clearnet's President and CEO. "The roaming arrangement announced today means that Clearnet PCS clients will not only enjoy national coverage in Canada, but ultimately across the entire United States." Clearnet will offer US roaming by early 1998. Clearnet PCS will offer immediate national coverage in Canada via leading-edge "dual-mode" PCS handsets, which can operate as both fully digital PCS phones or as cellular phones when necessary. Clearnet's service area covers more than 90 per cent of the Canadian population, and offers Clearnet PCS clients the same coast-to-coast coverage as current national cellular providers. The dual-mode capability of Clearnet PCS phones ensures they're the only wierless phone clients will ever need to buy.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, Sept. 22, 1997 -- SK Telecom announced today that it has signed an agreement with NTT DoCoMo, the world's largest cellular telephone company, to provide cellular service for its customers in Japan. SK Telecom 011 customers traveling to Japan can rent cellular phones from NTT DoCoMo, which will bill all calls directly to their account in Korea. "We are pleased to expand the services we provide to our customers," said Dr. Jung Uck Seo, President of SK Telecom. "Approximately 1,500,000 Koreans travel to Japan both on business and as tourists each year. Our customers traveling to Japan can now enjoy the convenience of cellular communications without the hassles of multiple carrier bills." Beginning today, the rental service will be available nationwide in Japan. To utilize this service, customers must visit a participating SK Telecom branch in Korea at least five days prior to departure. Billing will be handled by the CIBER (Cellular Intercarrier Billing Exchange Roamer) billing system. "In the near future, we plan to further extend the reach of SK Telecom cellular service," said President Seo. "We expect to establish SK Telecom roaming service in Canada, Europe and Thailand," added President Seo.
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 9, 1997 -- Beginning today, AirTouch Cellular's Powerband Digital Service(SM) customers along the Wasatch Front, will now experience the superior call clarity, voice quality and state-of-the-art features made possible by Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. In early July, AirTouch Cellular introduced digital services to its customers in Salt Lake City and Utah County. Today, AirTouch expands that service to encompass more than 2,200 square miles along I-15 from Provo through Salt Lake to Logan. In addition, AirTouch has enhanced the digital service for customers in Salt Lake City with the launch of digital voice services. "Now our customers in Salt Lake City will enjoy the benefits of outstanding voice and call quality, reduced background noise and a battery that will last for up to five hours of talk-time," said John Griffith, vice president and area general manager for AirTouch Cellular in Utah and Idaho. In addition to the unsurpassed voice and call quality for Salt Lake City customers, all Powerband users will now have access to time-saving features such as text messaging, voice mail and notification and Caller ID. Unlike most digital wireless services, Powerband CDMA phones will operate in both the digital and analog mode, giving customers the ability to use their digital cellular phones throughout the country. "With Powerband, customers can enjoy the best of both worlds," Griffith said. "The most advanced digital service available with high-quality analog included so they can use their Powerband phones in more than 5,500 cities nationwide."
Motorola Unveils New CDMA Cellular
Base Station Technology
Vendor NewsARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 30, 1997 -- Motorola Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) today introduced a new Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular base transmission system that when utilized in a CDMA network supports approximately twice the capacity of current commercial CDMA networks. The new SC™ 4840 base stations are currently being deployed in Japan as part of a nationwide CDMA (now called cdmaOne™ commercial network which is scheduled to begin service during the second quarter of 1998. Two of Japan's leading cellular operators, DDI and IDO, announced last March that the largest cellular contract ever had been awarded to Motorola CIG. Today's introduction of the new SC 4840 also marks the first use of Motorola CIG's new high density CDMA channel card. This card uses Motorola's second generation Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology required for CDMA. The new ASIC design offers operators the benefit of increased capacity and enhanced system performance. In addition to this new ASIC technology, the SC 4840 uses the latest advancements in multi-carrier linear amplifier technology through the use of Motorola's Expandable Linear Power Amplifier (ELPA). By providing transmit power for multiple carriers, the ELPA enables modular growth, reduction in site size, and improved installation and maintenance. The SC 4840 is the industry's first fully integrated base station to offer a newly developed 6-sector CDMA transmit and receive configuration. The SC 4840 also supports the latest advancements in vocoding technology including the support of the 8 Kbps EVRC (Enhanced Variable Rate Coder) vocoder. This combination of 6-sector site design and the 8 Kbps EVRC effectively enables network operators to obtain at least 16 to 18 times the capacity of analog networks. Significant traffic capacity gains and savings in equipment room floor space of between 30 percent and 50 percent can be realized with the new SC 4840. These efficiencies are the result of years of research and development of Motorola CIG's SC product family and through its commercial experience in providing analog and digital cellular systems worldwide.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 29, 1997 -- Motorola Inc's Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) said Monday it was awarded a contract worth about $350 million to expand the code division multiple access (CDMA) cellular network for Telefonica del Peru. Motorola CIG said it installed a trial CDMA network in Lima for Telefonica del Peru in October 1996. Commercial service was launched in December 1996 with nearly 10,000 subscribers currently being served. Over the next five years, Telefonica's expansion plans call for more than one million subscribers to be served by the CDMA network. As part of the contract with Telefonica del Peru, Motorola CIG will install its large-capacity digital mobile switching platform and digital SC Series base stations. Shipment of equipment began in July. Commercial CDMA service will be launched in Peru's main cities over the next several years. "This contract is extremely significant for Latin America since it marks the first countrywide CDMA deployment by a wireless operator in Latin America," Jack Finlayson, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG's Americas Cellular Infrastructure Group, said in a statement.
Arlington Heights, IL., Sept. 25, 1997 -- Motorola, Inc.’s Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) announced today that it has signed a contract to replace the existing analog cellular telephone network in the cities of Culiacan, Sinaloa and Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico Region 2. Mexican operator Movitel will deploy Motorola CIG’s Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) network to expand and enhance subscriber coverage in this region. Motorola CIG has already begun deployment of Movitel’s digital-ready network. Once completed, Movitel will double its subscriber capacity. "In addition to the benefits of the Motorola analog system, Movitel will be well positioned for the deployment of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) in late 1997," said Jack Finlayson, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG’s Americas Cellular Infrastructure Group. "This will provide Movitel with additional flexibility in terms of network capacity and enable Movitel to provide enhanced wireless features to customers." As part of the contract with Movitel, Motorola CIG will install its large-capacity EMX ® 2500 mobile switch and its state-of-the-art, digital-ready SC ™ 2450 base stations to provide advanced features and additional capacity to business and residential subscribers on Movitel’s network. Movitel de Noroeste is a private company that operates a cellular network in the north west region of Sonora and Sinaloa.
CLEVELAND, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1997 – Allen Telecom Inc, has received FCC type approval for its new PCSConnect ™ CDMA base station. Compatible with any IS-95 PCS network, the PMR-722CC1 features excellent channel selectivity in both downlink and uplink directions. The compact, lightweight repeater is ideal for applications where unobtrusive equipment is needed, and can be installed easily on roof tops, utility poles and other isted that are difficult to access. The CDMA Repeater eliminates the need for interconnect cost, such as T1 or microwave, and provides remote programming, monitoring and alarm functions without the need for on-site visits. "We believe customers will be extremely pleased with the seamless, quality service they receive with out new CDMA repeater," says Dr. Chris Morton, president of Allen Telecom Systems Division. "This product provides a cost-effective solution for outdoor coverage or applications such as airports, conventions centers and sports arenas, where signal penetration is difficult." Interference to other cells is minimized through downlink directions filtering; uplink filtering eliminates interference from subscribers in competitors' systems. The product features a weather resistant cabinet to withstand temperatures from -30o to +50o C without the use of noisy fans.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 18, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced that it has signed a multi-million dollar, royalty-bearing license agreement with M.I. Tel Co., Ltd. of Korea. Under terms of the agreement, QUALCOMM granted M.I. Tel a license to manufacture and sell subscriber products for Personal Communications Services (PCS) in Korea based on its Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) IS-95 standard. "M.I. Tel's success with the Appeal pager and the Appeal City phone provides QUALCOMM with another quality licensee of our CDMA technology," said Steve Altman, senior vice president and general manager of QUALCOMM's Technology Transfer Division. "This agreement is yet another example of Korean manufacturers' continued commitment to CDMA technology as it becomes the leading digital ltandard around the world." CDMA is the digital technology of choice for digital cellular and PCS in the United States. CDMA offers better voice quality with longer talk and standby times and greater wireless access to millions of subscribers worldwide
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 18, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the commercial launch of the first Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) wireless local loop (WLL) system in Russia. The advanced telecommunications network consists of QUALCOMM's cdmaOne(R) (IS-95 CDMA) infrastructure, and subscriber equipment, which was certified for commercial use in Russia on July 17, 1997. The regional operator, Sviazinform of Chelyabinsk, and South Urals Cellular Telephone Company are now providing wireless telephone service to residents and businesses in the city. The launch of the commercial system represents a new era of telephony in Russia, allowing users to benefit from the many advantages of digital wireless technology. CDMA offers subscribers the flexibility to easily relocate telephones, protection from traditional disruptions in wireline networks, immediate, installation of telephones and increased privacy and security. "We congratulate Sviazinform of Chelyabinsk and South Urals Cellular Telephone Company on the successful launch of their CDMA network and for leading the way in satisfying demand for telephone service in Russia with the most advanced technology available," said John Major, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Division. "This represents a major step forward in Russian telecommunications, and we are confident that subscribers on this system will be pleased with the voice quality and reliability of the system." "Telecommunications are developing very rapidly in the Chelyabinsk region. We are pleased that Chelyabinsk is the first city in Russia to offer CDMA to residents," said Anatoly Ufimkin, head of Sviazinform of Chelyabinsk. "CDMA technology is a very important part of our telephony services mix, especially for those districts of Chelyabinsk where expanding wireline telephony presents a serious problem." The wireless local loop system utilizes QUALCOMM's QCore 22X Integrated Base Station Controller and QCell 2508i Base Station Transceiver Subsystems, as well as QCT-1000 wireless telephones. QUALCOMM is a leading supplier of wireless local loop networks and has also announced CDMA WLL contracts with operators in Rostovon-Don and Moscow. Operators in Russia, like many operators around the world, have recognized the advantages of CDMA technology and are determined to provide the best possible telephone service to Russians by implementing this state-of-the-art technology. With over four million subscribers on CDMA networks worldwide today, Russia joins the ranks of nations leading the telecommunications evolution with the acceptance and deployment of CDMA.
DALLAS, Sept. 12, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced agreements with several leading companies, under which QUALCOMM licensed its products and services for wireless network design, implementation, validation and management. The companies are leaders in a number of technology areas including digital wireless technologies, satellite imagery, network planning and deployment, network analysis and optimization, and macrocell and minicell propagation modeling. Pursuant to the agreements, these companies will provide Geographical Information Services (GIS) data for QEDesign and distribute QUALCOMM's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network planning and deployment tools on a worldwide basis. This will facilitate the CDMA network planning community's ability to meet customers' needs for end-to-end capabilities and services in a variety of markets, and ensure that the customer view of products and services is uniform, integrated and interoperable. The distribution agreements expand QUALCOMM's reseller program for QEDesign and its network planning and deployment software solution, and also introduce the availability of complete GIS for QEDesign. The agreements also provide complete GIS data acquisition and conversion services for users of the QUALCOMM QEDesign network planning and deployment software. Combining the technology leadership of QUALCOMM and the experience and local presence of partners around the world will help ensure that QEDesign customers receive an optimal and complete solution for their network planning and deployment needs. Companies providing technology components and GIS data and reselling QEDesign include: Detecon GmbH, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, Bonn, Germany; Horizons Technology, Inc., San Diego, Calif.; Multiple Access Communications Ltd., Southhampton, United Kingdom; SPOT Image, Reston, Va.; Telemate S.A., a subsidiary of France Telecom, Vincennes, France; Vidar-SMS, a subsidiary of Sun Moon Star, Taipei, Taiwan; Virtual Transitions, the U.S. agent for Johokobo Inc., Tokyo, Japan; and Wireless Facilities, Inc., San Diego, Calif. The QUALCOMM GIS group has extensive knowledge in the field of geographic sciences and has acquired broad experience in providing GIS data for telecommunications projects. In cooperation with the partners specializing in GIS data and services, such as SPOT Inc. and Horizons Technology Inc., GIS provides a range of data types required for complete and accurate network planning, digital elevation models (DEMs), landuse/landcover information, satellite imagery, maps of roads and political boundaries, and scanned color TIFF maps. The GIS Group offers four standard data packages for various GIS data needs in the telecommunications industry, ranging from the Platinum Package, designed for final network system designs and deployments with high resolution GIS data, to the, Gold, Silver and Bronze packages, which meet a wide range, of requirements from initial marketing proposals and market studies to actual network designs for proposals. The GIS group has an extensive off-the-shelf collection of digital GIS data in stock for many regions of the world, and also provides custom vector data, paper maps, digitized maps, custom data ordering and data consulting services.
3Com Corporation, QUALCOMM and Unwired Planet Announce Quick Network Connect Technology: Internet Access for CDMA Networks; Quick Net Connect Technology Enables Fully Digital Internet Connections from CDMA Phones REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., Sept. 11, 1997 -- 3Com Corporation, QUALCOMM Incorporated, and Unwired Planet, Inc. (UP), today announced a strategic initiative to bring quick net connect technology to CDMA networks. Quick net connect is a technology enhancement that extends the capabilities of the standard IS-99 CDMA circuit switched data protocol, and allows fully digital Internet connections to be established in a range of three to six seconds. This fast connection time means that users of QUALCOMM CDMA digital phones and Unwired Planet's UP.Browser™ will be able to access Internet- or intranet-based information with connection speeds comparable to those of cdmaOne(R) packet data. Quick net connect based services are expected to be available from leading CDMA carriers in advance of packet data-based services. Quick net connect is the result of efforts by 3Com, a leading manufacturer of networking solutions, including Inter-Working Function (IWF) gateways for wireless infrastructure, and QUALCOMM, the pioneers of cdmaOne technology and one of the world's largest manufacturers of CDMA digital phones, as well as other leading CDMA infrastructure manufacturers including Nortel (Northern Telecom). Quick net connect technology provides an end-to-end solution through Unwired Planet's UP.Browser, QUALCOMM's CDMA phones, 3Com's Total Control™ remote access concentration and infrastructure suppliers such as Nortel and QUALCOMM. Networks equipped with quick net connect technology will support Internet and intranet access via CDMA phones and mobile computers. "Users of Unwired Planet's UP.Browser on QUALCOMM phones will be among the first beneficiaries of the faster, Internet-based quick net connect technology," said Ross Manire, senior vice president, Carrier Systems at 3Com. "The results of this industry collaboration will mark the next generation in wireless information access." "Earlier this year we led the industry with the announcement of our revolutionary Q phone," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, president of QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "In developing quick net connect Internet access technology, together with, 3Com and Unwired Planet, we once again bring technology and products to the CDMA marketplace in a time frame that others believed impossible." "CDMA quick net connect is an ideal platform for providing live Internet and intranet access to users of cdmaOne phones," said Alain Rossmann, chairman and chief executive officer of Unwired Planet. "The groundbreaking 3-6 second connect times, combined with our UP.Browser technology will enable consumers to have interactive, cost-effective access to Email, information services, and corporate applications." How It Works Internet dial-up connections normally utilize analog modem protocols, such as V.34, to establish modem-to-modem connections. These protocols use analog technology to communicate, even when the underlying transport mechanism is a fully digital cellular network. This results in slower connection times as a result of modem training (the familiar tones which occur when a modem connects), negatively impacting user applications that only require short, bursty connections. The quick net connect technology leverages the IS-99 circuit-switched standard to provide fully digital connections through the cdmaOne network, resulting in connection times of three to six seconds.
DALLAS, Sept. 11, 1997 -- Demonstrating its commitment to delivering the next generation of wireless systems, Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS) presented its third generation (3G) wireless proposal during a PCS `97 seminar today attended by vendors and operators. The proposal is the first to provide a solution that is fully backward compatible with both EIA- 136 TDMA and IS-95 CDMA standards. According to Cathy Zatloukal, assistant vice president of wireless business development at HNS, TDMA and CDMA have been positioned as the second generation of wireless providing digital capabilities to deliver both voice and lower-rate data services such as messaging. However, 3G will go a step further in delivering bandwidth intensive multimedia data capabilities including Internet access and video conferencing. Wireless handsets will serve as the delivery vehicle or intermediary for all the multimedia services experienced today in wireline environments. Zatloukal says the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), through its International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 2000 project, has set the stage for 3G standards to emerge. 3G proposals, to be submitted to the ITU by mid-1998, will require meeting stringent high-speed data rates; 144 kbps for mobile, 384 kbps for pedestrian, and 2 Mbps for fixed. The HNS proposal combines TDMA and CDMA -- the air interfaces supporting most PCS networks in place today -- to address the hurdles of bringing new high-speed capabilities to wireless as specified by the ITU. "In developing our 3G proposal, we leveraged our expertise in deploying satellite data and cellular digital packet data (CDPD) services," said Zatloukal. "It's this data experience that will help the industry deliver 3G networks offering high-speed, high-bandwidth multimedia data services that are affordable to deploy and compatible with the existing infrastructure in place." Under the HNS concept, existing TDMA and CDMA second generation (2G) networks will be interoperable with 3G networks. 2G providers will not have to abandon current technologies. The concept only requires a 3G infrastructure overlay to existing systems. HNS' proposed solution combines CDMA's optimal reuse capabilities with TDMA's traffic management features. "The key to our plan is to look at how data is handled -- a whole different perspective from voice, which is what most second generation networks in the United States are based on; they have minimal data requirements," said Zatloukal. "However, we created a concept that will enable new, high-speed data applications to complement the existing voice networks in place. It is the glue that can allow customers to access high- speed data and telephony services from both TDMA and CDMA carriers." HNS has already presented the concept to industry focus groups such as the CDMA Development Group (CDG) and the Universal Wireless Communications Consortium (UWCC), and has started discussions with standards bodies and has received significant feedback -- including many requests for information. HNS hopes to stimulate discussion among standards bodies and to encourage operators and vendors to study the proposal and provide input.
DALLAS, Sept. 11, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced an agreement with LGE of Korea to purchase QUALCOMM's new QCM-800 modules to be used in the development of new CDMA data devices. QUALCOMM's QCM series of modules and samples of future module applications by LGE will be displayed at the PCS Show in Dallas, Texas, September 10-12, at the Dallas Convention Center. "We are pleased that LGE has chosen to partner with us in the development of their CDMA data devices" said Gina M. Lombardi, vice president of product management for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "Our new QCM series of modules will enable LGE to quickly and efficiently bring their new CDMA digital data products to market." QUALCOMM's series of modules includes the QCM-800, an 800 MHz dual mode CDMA digital/analog module and the QCM-1900, a 1900 MHz CDMA digital Personal Communications Service (PCS) module. Both modules are designed to reduce product development and test cycles by providing an all-in-one production- ready solution to help companies like LGE shorten development cycles for CDMA products. QUALCOMM's QCM phone modules deliver all of the benefits of QUALCOMM's CDMA digital technology, including superior voice quality, greater security, fewer dropped calls and greatly reduced interference and background noise. The modules provide a fast, affordable platform for the development of CMDA digital products and include standard interfaces for easy implementation. The QCM series will follow QUALCOMM's product innovations in future generations and will support both voice and data applications. The form factor of the modules is extremely compact, approximately the size of a Type III PCMCIA card. The QCM-800 module is compliant with the IS-95A standard and the QCM- 1900 is compliant with the ANSI J-STD-008 standard.
DALLAS, Sept. 11, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the signing of an agreement valued at over $60 million with Hansol PCS of Korea for the purchase of QUALCOMM's new 1800 MHz Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Korean PCS Q™ phones. The new phones are scheduled to begin shipping to Hansol PCS before the end of this calendar year. "We are proud to expand our product offerings in the Korean market and are very pleased Hansol has chosen QUALCOMM's new Korean Q phone" said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, president of QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "The development of a Korean PCS Q phone for Hansol demonstrates our ongoing commitment to deliver state-of-the art CDMA technology and products to the Korean market." "By choosing QUALCOMM, the pioneers of CDMA technology, Hansol has ensured that the Korean wireless market will have the latest developments in CDMA available," said Iee Jin Chung, vice president of Hansol PCS. QUALCOMM's CDMA new Korean digital PCS Q phone is a compact, palm-sized folding phone that features a wide variety of options to provide users the utmost in flexibility. Automatic call answer enables users to respond to a call by simply opening the phone. For those who prefer caller ID, users may opt to have the phone display the incoming number upon opening and choose to answer with a single touch of a button. The ergonomically designed Q phone also offers users short messaging service and voice mail alert, as well as programmable ringers and a choice of call alerts, including a new vibration mode that silently notifies users of a call or page. The Q phone complements QUALCOMM's entire family of advanced CDMA digital phones, including the QCP series of cellular and PCS portable phones and the QCT series of cellular and PCS fixed wireless phones. The hallmarks of every QUALCOMM CDMA digital phone include crystal clear voice quality, enhanced privacy and fewer dropped calls.
Dallas, Sept. 10, 1997 -- Stratus Computer, Inc. and Korean telecommunications infrastructure supplier LG Information and Communications Limited (LGIC) today announced a strategic partnership to deliver a complete Home Location Register (HLR) solution for PCS (Personal Communications Service) and other wireless carriers. Based on the IS-41 Rev. C MAP (Mobile Application Part) standard, the solution pairs LGIC’s HLR software and StratusÒ continuously available computer equipment and telecommunications middleware. The joint announcement came at the PCS ‘97 trade event, where both Stratus (Booth 12236) and LGIC (Booth 15149) are exhibiting their wireless network solutions. The HLR is on display as part of LGIC’s exhibit. Stratus-based HLR software previously developed by LGIC has been deployed by several South Korean PCS providers that also implement CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) digital technology, including SK Telecom (formerly Korea Mobile Telecom) and LG Telecom, LGIC’s sister company. Under the new partnership agreement, LGIC is making an enhanced version of this product available worldwide on Stratus system and middleware platforms. Performing vital call routing and processing functions in wireless networks, HLRs are intelligent network (IN) elements used to store data such as subscribers’ telephone numbers, current locations, and available services (for example, call forwarding or voice mail), and to transmit this data to carriers’ Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs). The LGIC-Stratus HLR solution is fully compatible with IS-41 C standards-compliant MSCs. It comprises LGIC HLR software running within the FTXÔ fault-tolerant UNIXÒ operating environment on Stratus’ ContinuumÒ fault-tolerant computer systems ¾ including systems specially designed for use in central office environments. The solution is built on the Stratus Intelligent Network Applications Platform (SINAPÒ), a full UNIX-based implementation of the SS7 IN protocol. It includes an integral Operations Management System (OMS). Mr. Yong Il Choi, Senior Managing Director of R&D and Chief Technical Officer at LGIC, pointed to continuous availability and ready expandability as decisive factors in his company’s choice of the Stratus platform. "For smooth, dependable delivery of mobile services, HLR-resident subscriber data has to be available on a zero-downtime basis, and Stratus’ fault-tolerant hardware and software help us provide the 100-percent-available solution today’s customers are looking for," he said. "PCS and other mobile service providers are experiencing rapid subscriber-base growth. That means they need to support increasingly large networks with multiple MSCs. By deploying our HLR on the Stratus platform, we can deliver an exceptionally scalable solution that lets these carriers cost-effectively increase service capacity as their needs dictate." Mr. Steve Kiely, Stratus’ Vice President of Platform Systems, stressed LGIC’s pioneering leadership in both the CDMA and HLR arenas. "Major PCS providers are committing to CDMA, and LGIC has unsurpassed experience and expertise with this technology. LGIC helped implement the world’s first commercial CDMA network in South Korea. And, in January 1996, LGIC produced the first CDMA-based HLR to be deployed in a fully operational network. "This initiative brings us a partner with proven CDMA
success and a proven HLR product," Mr. Kiely said. "We
believe it will be a huge ‘plus’ for Stratus and
for our customers around the world."
DALLAS, PCS '97 BOOTH NO. 15027, Sept. 10, 1997 -- Sony Electronics' Wireless Telecommunications Company (WTC) is extending its leadership position in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology with the introduction of its next-generation digital phones. At PCS '97, the company will showcase a number of new models including the CM-Z100, the industry's smallest and lightest CDMA PCS phone, offering the longest talk and standby times of any pocketable CDMA product; the CM-B3200, the industry's first dual-band, dual-mode 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS/800 MHz AMPS phone; the CM-S2100, a 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS phone; and the CM-M1300, a dual-mode 800 MHz CDMA/AMPS phone. "At a time when most companies are just now announcing their first-generation CDMA handsets, Sony is going to market with its second- and third-generation products," stated Yutaka Sato, WTC president. "We have demonstrated not only our ability to produce CDMA products in the quantities required by our carrier customers, but the capability to deliver high-quality, reliable products from a proven manufacturing entity." To date, according to Sato, more than 2.5 million CDMA phones have shipped around the world from Sony's manufacturing facility in San Diego, a joint venture between Sony Electronics and QUALCOMM Inc. Sato said that Sony-branded CDMA phones are the most widely used throughout the United States in CDMA networks operated by Sprint PCS, PrimeCo Personal Communications, GTE Wireless, Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile, AirTouch, 360 Degree and others. "Sony's expertise in developing new technologies and launching them successfully in the consumer electronics marketplace is helping us establish a leadership position in CDMA and in the wireless industry," Sato noted. According to Sato, while most handset manufacturers are looking at CDMA to help them create a wireless product that promises improved call clarity, Sony will use the technology to design products that advance the benefits of wireless communications while increasing minutes of use for the carrier. "A near-term approach to CDMA is to maximize its ability to provide increased capacity for voice traffic, improved overall call clarity and security, and we are dedicated to leading in this area," Sato explained. "In addition, we have a longer-range vision for wireless communications, and decided upon CDMA for its ability to eventually turn wireless products into vehicles for the delivery of a much broader range of content and information in the form of voice, pictures, e-mail and video. That is why we are launching the d-WAVE (digital wireless audio-visual entertainment) concept. "For us, the d-WAVE platform represents the unique benefits that Sony is best positioned to provide to the industry." Sato noted that the incorporation of the Jog Dial navigator in Sony's new CDMA handsets is the first step in creating user interfaces that will simplify navigation through a content-enriched wireless communications environment. The Jog Dial interface provides the user with easy access to an array of features including a phone book with 99 alphanumeric memory locations, call clarity and security settings, 10-number call history, and five user-selectable ringer/vibrator types. A mere turn and press of the ergonomic dial on the side of the phone finds the number and initiates the call. "Our products are designed with features that promote their use rather than intimidate the user," Sato added. "We've put our extensive consumer product development and marketing expertise into creating products that are not only attractive to the end user, but also benefit the carrier. CDMA holds the greatest potential for moving the wireless industry into more than providing voice and paging services. We see it as a key to advancing the way people communicate, and we plan on being at the forefront of that change," Sato concluded.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- Sony Electronics' Wireless Telecommunications Company (WTC) today brought something revolutionary to the CDMA digital handset market - choices. This fall the company will offer its family of next-generation Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) handsets. According to Yutaka Sato, WTC president, the three new models include the industry's first dual-band, dual-mode 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS/800 MHz AMPS phone; a 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS phone; and a dual mode 800 MHz CDMA/AMPS phone. "While other companies are just beginning to explore CDMA technology, Sony is releasing the industry's largest array of digital products," Sato said. "Our new CDMA phones offer the design, convenience and functionality to meet the market's growing demand for digital wireless solutions, while bolstering Sony's position as the world's leading provider of CDMA handsets." The new product line includes expanded design options for Sony customers, including multiple plastics to allow product differentiation and a host of battery configurations to meet particular price/performance needs. Each lightweight, portable Sony CDMA handset with battery pack weighs approximately seven ounces. Sony's unique Jog Dial™ navigator provides users with a host of easily accessible features. By simply turning and pressing the ergonomic dial on the side of the phone, users have access to a variety of features including a phone book with 99 alphanumeric memory locations, call clarity and security settings, 10-number call history, and five user selectable ringer/vibrator types. To place a call, simply rotate the Jog Dial navigator to find the number in the phone memory and then press the dial. "The Jog Dial navigator is the first step toward a new concept in CDMA called d-WAVE™ (digital wireless audio-visual entertainment) products, and we've named our new family of phones after it," Sato noted. "In the future, Sony d-WAVE products will be able to transmit not only voice, but pictures, email and video." Sony's new line of handsets support enhanced network features offered by wireless service providers including caller identification, short messaging, voice mail alert, and over-the-air service provisioning. The phones' four-line x 12-character LCD display indicates signal strength, battery status, transmission mode and roaming status. With Sony's patented high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack, customers can enjoy up to four hours of continuous talk time or 60 hours standby time in CDMA mode. Sony's slim Lithium-Ion battery pack is recommended for lightweight portable usage, and Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride battery packs are available for greater flexibility. The CM-B3200 dual-band, dual-mode 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS/800MHz AMPS phone; the CM-S2100 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS phone; and the CM-M1300 dual mode 800MHz CDMA/AMPS phone are manufactured in San Diego.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- The phrase "good things come in small packages" took on new meaning Wednesday as Sony Electronics' Wireless Telecommunications Co. (WTC) introduced a 1.9GHz CDMA PCS handset that measures 3.6 x 2.4 x 1 inches and weighs 5.3 ounces, making it a perfect fit for a shirt or jacket pocket. "Our new CM-Z100 PCS phone is the latest example of Sony's leadership in developing advanced digital technologies that meets the needs of our customers," said Yutaka Sato, WTC president. "As the industry's smallest and lightest CDMA handset with the longest talk and standby time of any pocketable CDMA product, the CM-Z100 further strengthens the company's position as the world's leading provider of digital phones." According to Sato, the new PCS phone brings the form factor and design of Sony's award-winning CM-RX100 analog handset to CDMA carriers, but with new digital benefits of enhanced account security, greater call clarity and the minimization of dropped calls, in addition to the data communications capabilities offered by service providers. For example, the CM-Z100 features Sony's easy Jog Dial navigator, an ergonomic dial on the side of the phone. By simply turning and pressing the dial, consumers enter a user-friendly menu system where they have almost instant access to 99 alphanumerically listed phone numbers, security settings, the 10 most recent calls, quick volume adjustment and other functions. The handset provides approximately two and one-half hours of continuous talk time and 24 hours standby time with Sony's patented Lithium-Ion prismatic battery pack. Its unique flip-down boom microphone helps minimize handset size, while also functioning as the "send/end" key for receiving and completing calls. The new phone features a large four-line x 12-character LCD display. It also supports enhanced network features offered by wireless service providers, such as caller identification, short message service, voice mail waiting alert and over-the-air service provisioning. For incoming calls, the consumer can select either an audible ring or silent vibration alert. The CM-Z100 will be manufactured in San Diego and available in the United States this fall.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced volume shipments of its new QCP-270O™ phone. The QCP-2700 phone is the industry's first dual-band, dual-mode 1900 MHz CDMA digital/800 MHz analog phone that allows users to roam from CDMA digital PCS to traditional analog service with the same phone. QUALCOMM will be demonstrating the QCP-2700 phone along with its entire series of third generation QCP phones and the new QCP flip addition this week at the Personal Communication Showcase (PCS) '97 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. "With the volume shipments of our QCP-2700 phone, QUALCOMM is once again delivering on its promise to supply our customers with the greatest variety of CDMA digital phones," said David J. McDowell senior vice president of sales for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "QUALCOMM is proud to deliver to our PCS customers the first dual-band, dual-mode CDMA phones available today." The QCP-2700 phone is QUALCOMM's first dual-band, dual-mode phone offering expanded coverage for today's PCS subscribers. Weighing under 6.5 ounces with QUALCOMM's new ultra-slim Lithium Ion (Li Ion) battery, the new phone will provide carriers an opportunity to capture customers seeking the inherent benefits of CDMA digital PCS performance and the ability to roam outside their PCS coverage areas. All QUALCOMM QCP models come equipped with a dial shuttle, allowing users to quickly and easily operate the phone with a single touch. A new user interface provides simple, rapid access to a host of phone features. The QCP series of phones offers an ergonomically designed earpiece -- providing users optimal comfort and exceptional sound reception, even during extended conversations. The phones also include intelligent internal charging controls and five battery options: a slim NiMH; a standard NiCad; a slim Li Ion; an ultra-slim Li Ion; and an extended Li Ton battery that provides up to five hours of talk time. QUALCOMM's entire series of CDMA digital portable phones feature one of the largest liquid crystal displays (LCD) available, including a four-line by 12 character display area plus a line of icons indicating signal strength, battery status, transmission mode, roaming status and other functions. The large display is ideal for enhanced calling features that the phones support such as incoming caller ID, short messaging service and voice mail alert. The QCP series complements QUALCOMM's entire family of advanced CDMA digital phones, including the PCS Q™ phone and the QCT series of cellular and PCS fixed wireless phones. The hallmarks of every QUALCOMM CDMA digital phone include crystal clear voice quality, enhanced privacy and fewer dropped calls.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated announced volume shipments of its 1900 MHz Q™ phone. The Personal Communications Service (PCS) Q phone is QUALCOMM's sleek, palm-sized folding Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) phone. QUALCOMM will be demonstrating the Q phone this week at Personal Communication Showcase (PCS) '97 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. "Once again, QUALCOMM demonstrates its leadership in the wireless market with volume shipments of its new PCS Q phone," said Gina M. Lombardi, vice president of product development for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "There has been an overwhelming, positive consumer response to the Q phone since its introduction. Now consumers will experience all of the benefits this revolutionary new phone has to offer." QUALCOMM's CDMA digital PCS Q phone is the sleek new light-weight palm-sized folding phone that features a wide variety of options to provide users the utmost in flexibility. The ergonomically designed Q phone offers users short messaging service and voice mail alert. For greater flexibility in call answering, the Q phone offers users a choice to best suit their tastes. Users can select automatic call answer which enables users to answer a call by simply opening the phone, or for those who prefer caller ID, users may choose to have the phone display the call upon opening and answer the call with a single touch. In addition, the Q phone offers a silent vibration call notification mode. The Q phone will also be upgradeable to accommodate future wireless data and Internet information access options. QUALCOMM's entire series of CDMA digital portable phones features one of the largest liquid crystal displays (LCD) available, including a four-line by 12 character display area plus a line of icons indicating signal strength, battery status, transmission mode, roaming status and other functions. The large display is ideal for enhanced calling features that the phones support such as incoming caller ID, short messaging service and voice mail alert. The PCS Q phone complements QUALCOMM's entire family of advanced CDMA digital phones, including the QCP series of cellular and PCS portable phones and the QCT series of cellular and PCS fixed wireless phones. The hallmarks of every QUALCOMM CDMA digital phone include crystal clear voice quality, enhanced privacy and fewer dropped calls.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the availability of the MSM2300™ (Mobile Station Modem) in a 196-ball Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA) package. PBGA packages have a high lead count per area, and unlike Quad Flat Packs (QFP), require no additional board space for lead extensions outside the package body. The 196-ball PBGA package footprint measures 225 square mm. This is 33 percent of the size of the current MSM2300 production package, the 176-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP). "With the global push toward miniaturization of phones and a recognized need for ASICs, we are focused on providing our customers with new package alternatives which are cost competitive and reliable, and can be easily implemented into manufacturing lines," said Don Schrock, senior vice president and general manager of QUALCOMM's ASIC Products Division. CDMA customers worldwide received daisy chain PBGA samples in August. Daisy chain samples are PBGA packages with no active circuits inside. Customers will use these devices to ready their manufacturing lines to accommodate the new package. QUALCOMM has already received orders for MSM2300 PBGA samples to be shipped in mid September and production quantities in December 1997. "Our customers are facing increasingly stringent requirements on the size of their Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) phones," said Johan Lodenius, director of marketing for QUALCOMM's ASIC Products Division. "The MSM2300 PBGA allows us to continue to pack the maximum CDMA functionality into the smallest possible space."
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced it had reached a major milestone with the shipment of over one thousand QCell™ Base station Transceiver Subsystems (BTSs) to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators in Asia, Eastern Europe, North America and Latin America. The most recent shipments are destined for Chile, where QUALCOMM is deploying a nationwide cdmaOne(R) (IS-95 CDMA) network for ChileSat PCS, the first CDMA operator deploying a Personal Communications Services (PCS) network in Latin America. QUALCOMM's high-performance base stations can be used in PCS, cellular, fixed wireless, and hybrid applications in the 800 MHz and 1900 MHz bands, and the Company's line of BTS products has recently been branded "QCell." The QCell 2519e BTS, which is being deployed in Chile, is an environmental unit specifically designed for PCS deployments. Other models include the Qcell 3508i, an indoor BTS designed for high-capacity cellular system with dual-carrier support and high reliability, and the QCell 3519i for high-capacity PCS deployments. The Integrated Base Station Controller (IBSC) from QUALCOMM, a highly efficient, computer-based BSC-MSC, also being deployed in Chile, is part of QUALCOMM's BSC product line that has been named "QCore™." The QCore 22X IBSC is a flexible, adaptable controller with integrated MSC functionality. QUALCOMM also announced the development and implementation of the IS-634 interface standard with leading switch manufacturers, which will be developed on the QCore 22 BSC. Other QUALCOMM infrastructure products include the QCTest™ line of CDMA network test products, the QCPlus™ family of CDMA support products, and the QSolve™ portfolio of third party network management and enhanced services platforms, which enrich the functionality and profitability of operators' networks. "QUALCOMM is proud to be installing our QCell and-QCore products in Chile, the first cdmaOne PCS network outside of the United States, with commercial service scheduled for the end of 1997," said John Major, president of the Infrastructure Products Division. "The rapid deployment of a nationwide network in Chile, a country 2700 miles in length with diverse and challenging environments, will be another milestone for QUALCOMM and the worldwide advancement of CDMA." In less than two years since its first commercial deployment CDMA now serves over four million commercial subscribers on over 130 networks worldwide. With more infrastructure and handset manufacturers supplying CDMA equipment than any other digital wireless technology, and with overwhelming support for CDMA as the standard for third generation wireless, CDMA has gained worldwide a acceptance by offering capacity, coverage and voice quality advantages over other wireless technologies. As the Primary developer of CDMA technology and a leading manufacturer Of CDMA products and services, QUALCOMM continues to drive the design, direction, standardization, research, and development of CDMA
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- Lucent Technologies today announced enhancements to its widely deployed code division multiple access (cdmaOne™) wireless platform to enable network operators to build upon their momentum by cost-effectively adding more mobile subscribers, optimizing their network for fixed services, and stimulating even more usage. "These enhancements, coupled with a new suite of wireless professional services, are specifically addressing new growth opportunities available to network operators who deployed Lucent's cdmaOne platform," said Scott Erickson, vice president of marketing and business development for network wireless systems. "Lucent's switch-based network architecture gives service providers an advantage because of the flexibility it offers them in profiting from the overwhelming success of their new cdmaOne networks." Specifically, Erickson cited the following options:
Adding these enhancements to Lucent's networks is easily accomplished. For example, the higher-density ECU circuit pack replaces an existing two- channel pack. The EVRC requires no additional base station hardware, and since voice coding is centralized at the mobile switching center, operators are able to select either the virtual landline-quality 13 kbps voice coder or the EVRC for optimum resource utilization. Two Lucent customers have applied these modular improvements in different ways. Shinsegi Telecomm recently marked the activation of its 100,000th regional customer in Pusan. "We are extremely impressed with the capacity growth options of the Lucent cdmaOne system," said Ryu Daebee, the company's public relations director. "We have added a second carrier throughout our Pusan regional network and are processing over 1.2 million calls a day on the Lucent system. Lucent has been able to address our unique needs in cost- effectively managing the explosive growth of our subscriber base." Since Lucent's cdmaOne networks use the same proven and reliable 5ESS(R)- 2000 switching platform deployed for landline networks, wireless carriers can now take advantage of the wireless call-handling increase to market fixed wireless services that mimic traditional landline features. This is an approach taken by Centennial de Puerto Rico, which has begun promoting its wireless "Home Phone," an ordinary phone look-alike offering such landline features as one touch redial, call transfer, call waiting, three-way calling and voice message retrieval. At the conclusion of a recent pre-launch service trial, Rudy Graf, president of the company stated: "Between our aggressive pricing package and the landline quality of speech, our customers were elated with the service, and virtually refused to let the trial end because they wanted the service to continue."
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- Already a leader in global deployment of cdmaOne (IS-95) for mobile applications, Nortel (Northern Telecom) is extending the benefits of this state-of-the-art digital technology to fixed wireless communications. Nortel's Proximity C fixed wireless subscriber access unit is now commercially available, the company announced at PCS '97 this week at the Dallas Convention Center. Part of Nortel's Proximity family of fixed wireless access solutions, Proximity C network infrastructure and line access units use cdmaOne digital radio technology, rather than copper cable, to connect businesses and residences to the public switched telephone network for quick and cost-effective deployment of voice and data services. Nortel's Proximity C line access unit makes telephone service available seamlessly, even to users accustomed to wireline service. Operating at 800 MHz or 1900 MHz behind any manufacturer's switch, the Proximity C subscriber access unit supports connection of up to five standard telephones, fax machines, modems and other ringer-equivalent extension devices via a standard RJ11 jack. It also supports calling features including Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Three-Way Calling, Calling Line ID, Caller Name Display, Call Blocking, Message Waiting Indication and Conferencing. The Proximity C line access unit provides DTMF tone detection and generation, which provides dial tone rather than requiring the user to press ``send'' to originate or receive a call. Support for ``smart cards'' is also built in for future applications. With its built-in antenna, the Proximity C line access unit may be located virtually anywhere in a business or residence within 1,000 feet of the extension devices it supports. A directional antenna, providing a 3 dB gain, is also available as an option. Operations, administration and maintenance may be performed remotely via an RS-232 serial port. Battery back-up is included in an integrated package up to 50 percent smaller than competing units requiring a separate power supply. The battery provides 24 hours of standby operation or 90 minutes of talk time. cdmaOne is a trademark of the CDMA Development Group Proximity, Nortel and the Globemark are trademarks of Northern Telecom
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated and NEC Corporation today announced the joint development of an IS-634 interface between NEC's NEAX61(Sigma) switch and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) base station controllers from QUALCOMM. The two companies have also agreed to jointly market cdmaOne(R) (IS-95 CDMA) cellular and PCS networks utilizing NEC and QUALCOMM infrastructure in specific countries where the open interface solution meets customer needs. The IS-634 interface will operate between QUALCOMM's QCore™ 22 Base Station Controller (BSC) and the NEC NEAX61(SIGMA) Mobile Switching Center. The implementation of the IS-634 open interface standard in networks supplied by QUALCOMM and NEC offers operators additional flexibility in designing and deploying networks. "The partnership between NEC and QUALCOMM provides both of our companies with expanded business opportunities as we are better able to meet customer needs with flexible CDMA network solutions," commented John Major, president of QUALCOMM's Infrastructure Products Division. "QUALCOMM's commitment to partnering with other premier telecommunications companies will especially benefit operators who are already experienced in supporting the industry's leading switching platforms." Mr. Y. Matsuo, general manager of Mobile Communications Systems Division, NEC, added that "our IS-634 network configuration will provide an attractive and useful option for operators envisaging a multi-vendor system." QUALCOMM and NEC will continue to market, distribute and support their separate CDMA systems to operators around the world, but will partner in opportunities where customers can benefit from NEC and QUALCOMM's joint expertise. "NEC and QUALCOMM have made significant progress toward the integration and testing of the IS-634 interface, and the partnership that we have forged with NEC has been further strengthened by our work in South America," said Jim Edson, regional vice president of South America for QUALCOMM. "We are confident that our joint solution will provide South American operators with a flexible IS-634 solution able to meet their wireless communications requirements." "The first application of QUALCOMM and NEC's IS-634 solution will be implemented in the Brazilian market to demonstrate the full potential and benefits of this architecture to our customers," said Mr. William Nolasco Barreto, director of the Wireless Business Unit of NEC DO BRASIL S.A.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced an agreement with Alcatel to develop and supply versatile cdmaOne(R) (IS-95 Code Division Multiple Access) solutions for cellular and Personal Communications Services (PCS) operators. This agreement underscores QUALCOMM's commitment to supporting open interface standards and providing operators with the additional flexibility of choosing the network elements that best suit their needs. The agreement provides for the joint development of an IS-634 interface between QUALCOMM's QCore™ 22 Base Station Controller (BSC) and the Alcatel 1000 S12 Mobile Switching Center. Under the terms of the agreement, QUALCOMM and Alcatel will implement the IS-634 interface to integrate Alcatel's switch into QUALCOMM's CDMA wireless network systems, offering service providers additional flexibility in designing and deploying their CDMA networks. QUALCOMM's complete network solutions for PCS, cellular, fixed wireless, and hybrid systems, which currently employ QUALCOMM's QCell™ base station products and the QCore 22X IBSC with integrated switching, will be expanded to include a new system architecture utilizing the IS-634 interface to other switching platforms. As a result, operators deploying cellular, PCS or fixed wireless systems can choose between QUALCOMM's existing switching architecture -- the highly efficient, computer-based QCore 22X Integrated BSC – and Alcatel's high-performance 1000 S12, depending on their specific network and market requirements. "The joint development efforts of Alcatel and QUALCOMM, both leaders in the wireless telecommunications industry, will combine QUALCOMM's expertise in developing and deploying CDMA systems with Alcatel's proven mobile switching product portfolio, resulting in a powerful solution for operators," commented John Major, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Division. "Connecting to other manufacturers' switching platforms via the IS-634 interface enables QUALCOMM to focus on providing its customers with versatile solutions to meet the needs of an ever-changing market and customer base." "This agreement represents the achievement of another milestone on Alcatel's roadmap for both its wireless products and business strategy," said David Owen, vice president and general manager, Mobile Switching, Alcatel Network Systems, Inc. "It also represents a tangible response to those operators who have been asking us as suppliers to give them the type of flexibility in their network deployments that IS-634 allows. This flexibility will prove to be of immense value to network operators." "The agreement specifies that the companies will work together on development of IS-634 interface between QUALCOMM's QCore 22 BSC and the Alcatel 1000 S12. IS-634 is a Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) standard for the A-Interface between wireless BSCs and switches. Integrated QUALCOMM CDMA systems utilizing the IS-634 interface and Alcatel's switch will be available to customers in early 1998. "Both QUALCOMM and Alcatel recognize the strategic advantages of utilizing open interface standards, such as IS-634, which give our customers the ability to tailor products to their needs," said Nick Abel, vice president of Wireless Infrastructure Products for QUALCOMM. "Our existing QCore 22X IBSC product offers excellent switching capabilities to customers, and we will continue to develop, supply and deploy products in our QCore IBSC family. QUALCOMM puts great emphasis on meeting the requirements of its customers, and this agreement with Alcatel creates another unique solution that we can offer to operators." QUALCOMM will be able to supply Alcatel's switch utilizing the IS-634 interface in QUALCOMM CDMA systems as a result of the non-exclusive agreement. Alcatel will provide installation and maintenance services, as well as marketing support, for the Alcatel 1000 S12.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- Siemens Wireless Terminals, a unit of Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc., announced that Sprint PCS signed a volume purchase agreement for its CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) handsets. The companies are jointly designing a handset that will be easy to use and include a high-resolution color graphic display, long-battery life, voice memo capabilities and icon-based menu. The handsets will be dual branded with the Sprint and Siemens names and will be available to consumers and business users through Sprint PCS retail centers and third party retailers in 1998. "Siemens has made a significant corporate investment to design and manufacture CDMA products in the U.S. for the worldwide market," said Tom Jasny, vice president of sales and service. "As the largest CDMA player in the U.S., Sprint PCS' commitment to Siemens substantiates our investment in CDMA technology and broadens our wireless handset product portfolio worldwide." Bernie Bianchino, chief business development officer for
Sprint PCS, said: "Siemens reputation for quality and
innovation is recognized throughout the world. As we expand
our nationwide PCS network across the United States, the jointly
designed handset will be a great addition to our growing line
of quality Sprint PCS The Sprint PCS system will be the most extensive in the U.S. When the first phase of launch is complete, the Sprint PCS network will encompass 65 cities coast to coast, including 40 of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas. In phase two, Sprint PCS, together with its associates, will expand its existing service coverage to provide services under licenses recently acquired by Sprint Corporation in spectrum auctions conducted by the FCC. These new licenses, when combined with Sprint PCS' and its affiliates' licenses, will give Sprint PCS unprecedented licensed coverage of nearly 260 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- Ortel Corp. Wednesday announced a multimillion dollar agreement to provide its industry-leading Series 5800 CDMA wireless coverage solution to Panwest International, the company's Korean-based distribution partner. The Series 5800 will be system integrated with local products by the Dae Han San Up Electronics Co. Ltd, Panwest's local engineering partner, and used by the Korean Radio Wave Base Station Management Corporation (KORMC), to provide underground wireless coverage throughout the entire subway system in Seoul, Korea, encompassing more than 267 subway stations and 245 miles of track. KORMC is a group formed to coordinate common or shared coverage areas by the three PCS wireless service providers, nationwide, including KT Freetel, Hansol PCS and LG Telecom. "By using Ortel's Series 5800 underground CDMA coverage solution, Seoul's subway passengers will be able to use their mobile phones in the stations as well as while riding the train," said Hal Zarem, Ortel's business manager, wireless communications. "Ortel is again demonstrating its commitment in offering the most innovative, highest quality products and services available in the global wireless industry." "Panwest International and KORMC have chosen the Series
5800 product because of Ortel's proven expertise in CDMA wireless
solutions, and are confident that this solution will provide
the necessary coverage throughout the subway system in Seoul,
offering the highest quality wireless experience to Seoul's
subway passengers," said Harry Kim, The agreement calls for Ortel to supply power amplifiers, meeting the strict spectral regrowth requirements for CDMA networks, in addition to providing the Series 5800 underground wireless solution.
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 1997 -- To help wireless-telecommunication field technicians get fast, repeatable and reliable test results, H |
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