columnOne - A Perspective
on 3G, by Perry LaForge
Discussion of third generation (3G) systems has reached
a fevered pitch in recent months. Going by the amount of press
coverage the topics received, youd think carriers
around the world were planning to roll out these systems over
the next few months. Unfortunately, perception has outstripped
reality.
From The Editor
Only 12 months ago we were discussing something called IS-95 and its progress
in the US and Asia. Now we talk about cdmaOne, opportunities around the globe
and a role in the third generation of mobile services.
Billing and Tariffing - It All Adds Up, by Susie
Helme
In an ever-changing market, billing systems constantly have to take on new
challenges more traffic, multiple service offerings and a greater variety
of calling plans. CDMA has also instigated a number of new services. CBIS provides
billing for the two biggest CDMA providers in the U.S. Bob Hritsko, the companys
wireless market manager, offers some insights into the challenges they face.
Handsets - The Next Step, Narciso Mera And Antoinette
McDermott, Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group
With the worldwide acceptance of CDMA well under way, the focus is shifting
from initial deployment to system enhancements and technology advancements.
Service providers and equipment manufacturers are working in conjunction with
the TIA to improve coverage, call quality and systems capacity. Latest evidence
of this is the Enhanced Variable Rate Vocoder (EVRC), now being deployed in
Korea.
Interview - First And Foremost, by Maurie Dobbin
With its high density population, its little surprise that CDMA has
really taken off in Korea. SK Telecom is the countrys leading mobile communications
carrier and the biggest CDMA carrier in the world. But will the company maintain
service quality in the face of new PCS competition? Dr Jung Uck Seo, president
of SK Telecom, offers some insight into the companys strategies.
Marketing - Spreading The Word, by Harriet S.
Meyers
One of the key challenges manufacturers and operators face is to sell CDMA
as the technology of choice. The message must be that it is all about making
life simpler and more productive. What marketing approaches are they creating
to convince their target audiences?
Network Management - More Than A Days Work,
by Doug McGregor, Nortel
Network engineering is no easy task. Among the challenges faced by companies
are short lead times, constant shortages of staff and difficult environments.
And with CDMA technology developing all the time, its more than a one-off
assignment.
North America - Survival Of The Fittest, by Fred Dawson
North America's CDMA-based wireless operators, having gained a firm market
footing more quickly than even they anticipated, now face crucial choices over
how to use their platforms to maximum advantage in the brutal competitive struggles
that lie ahead.
Products & Services
Building a CDMA network is little use without the tools
to ensure ongoing optimum performance
Roaming - A Global Concern - by Michael McClelland
and Apple Bass GTE TSI
The issue of international roaming is about to intensify. The global village
is coming to the wireless industry, and with it comes the challenge of making
its many disparate parts work together. Demand is on the up from all population
sectors. Studies abound weighing the pros and cons of the various wireless technologies
that are currently being developed. In the end, however, its about the
consumer and how operators can meet their needs. MICHAEL MCCLELLAND AND APPLE
BASS GTE TSI