Midwest Wireless Launches 3G Wireless

US : Midwest Wireless announced the commercial launch of the first phase of its third generation (3G) CDMA2000 1X wireless network based on an infrastructure solution from Nortel Networks.

This deployment spans 68 counties in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. More than 50 percent of Midwest Wireless’ total operational area is now enabled with CDMA2000 1X technology, constituting more than two-thirds of the population served. The remainder of Midwest Wireless’ network is expected to be 1X-enabled by the end of 2003.

The CDMA2000 1X Wireless Data Network positions Midwest Wireless to boost network capacity to accommodate a greater number of voice calls. CDMA2000 1X can double voice capacity and support wireless data speeds of up to 153 Kbps, roughly 10 times faster than rates available through circuit-based technology. The network also positions Midwest Wireless to expand its line of sophisticated wireless services, including advanced data features for e-mail access and mobile Web browsing.

“As a regional provider, we’re committed to bringing the very latest wireless services to the individuals who live and work in the Greater Midwest,” said Dennis Miller, president and chief executive officer, Midwest Wireless. “We’re excited to deploy this next generation network, which will open up a new world of wireless services to our customers and enhance their lives through expanded communication options.”

“Our networking solutions boost capacity, create efficiencies that can help reduce operating costs, and enable advanced new voice and data service offerings” said Steve Slattery, president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. “The network launched today with Midwest Wireless rivals the capabilities of any major metro area.”

Nortel Networks was originally selected by Midwest Wireless in September 2002 to supply CDMA2000 1X radio access and Internet Protocol (IP) core infrastructure equipment. Network deployments began in the fourth quarter of last year, and are expected to continue through 2003.

The CDMA2000 1X deployment is part of a nine-year relationship between the two companies. Nortel Networks previously supplied TDMA network equipment to Midwest Wireless.

Products from Nortel Networks Univity* Wireless Data Network portfolio deployed for Midwest Wireless include Univity CDMA Metro Cell radio base station (BTS), Univity CDMA Base Station Controller (BSC), and Univity CDMA Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) equipment.

Nortel Networks Univity CDMA technology is designed to maximize existing customer investments in spectrum and infrastructure, to accommodate subscriber growth, and to help service providers drive down capital and operating costs. A leader in CDMA since 1995, Nortel Networks has designed and deployed CDMA networks over varying terrain and population densities for more than 65 operators across 17 countries, including more than 35,000 3G-ready base stations.