CDMA2000 on 3G Track for 2.1 GHz

US : The CDMA Development Group (CDG) announced that leading network and terminal vendors have made rapid progress with product development and testing and are now preparing to offer commercial-grade CDMA2000(R) equipment at 2.1 GHz, one of the IMT-2000-designated 3G spectrum bands.

Inset is Perry LaForge, executive director, CDG who is quoted below.

This development is the result of a signed commitment(a) by eight equipment suppliers and the CDG in September 2002 to expand the spectrum offerings of CDMA2000 to include 2.1 GHz.

"Currently there are more than 39 million subscribers enjoying CDMA2000 service on 47 commercial networks operating in 26 countries," said Perry LaForge, executive director, CDG. "It is a natural extension for these vendors, who already have vast experience deploying CDMA2000 at other frequencies, to now offer products for the 2.1 GHz band."

One country that will potentially benefit from the availability of CDMA2000 equipment at 2.1 GHz is China, the largest and fastest-growing wireless market in the world. The wireless industry looks forward to the Chinese regulators' decision with regards to 3G licenses at 2.1 GHz.

CDMA2000 manufacturers have been committed to providing solutions with Chinese partners and customers since the inception of the wireless market in China.

"In China and around the world, Ericsson has built its reputation on the partnerships we establish with our customers to ensure that their business is a success. Our announced completion of CDMA2000 2.1 GHz voice and data calls and our readiness to supply the most advanced and cost-effective 3G solution on the market is further evidence of that commitment," said Ake Persson, president of Ericsson Mobile Systems CDMA.

"In 2001, Huawei became one of the first companies worldwide which could deliver 2.1 GHz band CDMA2000 infrastructure. Our equipment features include large capacity and high integration, low-cost flexible network deployment, smooth evolution capability for the future, giving more choice for operators," said Chengdong Yu, vice president and director of 3G, Huawei Technologies.

Les Cole, president of Mobility Solution, Lucent Technologies China said, "Lucent Technologies has deployed CDMA networks worldwide, and has a very strong base in China. We see tremendous opportunity for CDMA2000 at 2.1 GHz here and are committed to the China market."

In addition to CDMA2000 2.1 GHz infrastructure, terminal devices have been tested and are ready to be introduced to the market.

LG Electronics (LGE) states, "LGE has supplied CDMA2000 terminal and infrastructure equipment to one of Korea's mobile operators, LG Telecom, which has a 3G license. We look forward to sharing the knowledge gained in Korea with the Chinese operators."

"Samsung has extensive experience with CDMA technologies," said Grant Zhou, vice president and general manager, wireless terminals, Samsung China. "We are pleased to be among the first to deliver CDMA2000 terminal and infrastructure equipment for the 2.1 GHz band."

Technology provider Qualcomm and leading manufacturers of wireless equipment further expressed support for the Chinese 3G market.

"As the pioneer and world leader of CDMA digital wireless technology, Qualcomm is committed to facilitating CDMA industry's growth in China. We have provided 2.1 GHz CDMA2000 test terminals (Chester) to domestic and foreign vendors, and are very pleased to see the successful development and commercialization of CDMA2000 infrastructure and terminals at 2.1 GHz band. The expected trials by MTNet of such CDMA2000 equipment at 2.1 GHz band will mark a major milestone towards wide-spread deployment by operators in this IMT2000 band," said Jing Wang, senior vice president and chairman of Qualcomm China.

Simon Leung, senior vice president and general manager, GTSS Asia Pacific, Motorola, said, "The long history of Motorola's CDMA success as the leading manufacturer of wireless handsets and the dominant provider of infrastructure networks in China is derived from a combination of Motorola's long-term commitment to the China market, a strong portfolio of CDMA2000 products and a worldwide CDMA2000 installed base. Motorola is working closely with the operators in China to ensure the successful deployment of CDMA2000 at 2.1 GHz."

"Nortel Networks is strong in supplying and deploying 3G wireless voice and data networks globally. We are certainly ready to provide CDMA2000 networks at 2.1GHz," said Robert Mao, president and CEO, Nortel Networks China.

"CDMA2000 is an excellent platform for advanced services, and we are ready to serve our customers with systems in all possible frequencies (450 MHz, 800 MHz, 1900 MHz and 2100 MHz), as the market demands," said James Jiang, general manager of ZTE San Diego.

The CDG will continue to promote and support the commercial deployment of 3G CDMA2000 systems at 2.1 GHz worldwide.

The CDMA Development Group is a nonprofit trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA technologies. The 110 member companies of the CDG include many of the world's largest wireless operators and equipment manufacturers.