Enhancing its leadership position in equipping wireless operators with tools to generate new revenue opportunities and differentiated services at lower cost, Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSE:NT.) plans to offer CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (evolution-data only) technology, a packet data-based system designed to enable CDMA operators to provide high speed data service with peak data rates up to 2.4 megabits per second.
With the significantly increased speed and capacity offered by CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, CDMA operators will be positioned to provide video and audio streaming, wireless Web browsing, interactive gaming and other, next generation wireless multimedia services to an increasing number of users.
"This technology is an essential step in the evolution of CDMA networks," said Ed Salas, vice president, network planning, Verizon Wireless. "Nortel Networks CDMA technology solutions are key building blocks of our overall vision to provide our customers next generation wireless services."
"Nortel Networks CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology will help drive improved operator profitability and competitive advantage," said Steve Slattery, vice president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, Nortel Networks. "This technology will position operators to deliver enhanced, next generation wireless data services, which are expected to enhance customer retention and ROI (return on investment)."
Building on market-leading CDMA2000 1X capability, Nortel Networks CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution will be enabled through an upgrade to Nortel Networks CDMA MetroCell base station, and will help pave the way to all-IP (Internet Protocol) networks and reduced network operating expenses.
"The high speeds and next generation multimedia services offered by CDMA2000 1xEV-DO are expected to give CDMA operators the tools they need to enhance the user experience and remain profitable and competitive in today's dynamic marketplace," said Andrew Seybold, president, Andrew Seybold Group. "Operators need an infrastructure that will support rapid deployment of wireless data and ensure greater ROI."
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO was recently accepted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as an international third generation (3G) wireless standard. Nortel Networks is working with Airvana, Inc. of Chelmsford, Mass. to jointly develop all-IP 1xEV-DO products for Nortel Networks customers. Nortel Networks expects its CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution to be available in the second half of 2002.
Nortel Networks CDMA portfolio includes Nortel Networks MetroCell base stations for wide area radio coverage; a packet-based core network featuring Nortel Networks Passport switches; Nortel Networks Preside network management; Nortel Networks Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node; and network implementation services.
Nortel Networks is currently deploying CDMA2000 1X with leading customers around the world, including Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS and Telstra. A CDMA leader since 1995, Nortel Networks has designed, installed and launched 127 CDMA networks and 20,000 CDMA base stations for 40 operators in 12 countries around the world. The Shosteck Group ranks Nortel Networks No. 1 among major vendors for next generation wireless telecommunications infrastructure business strategy.