Telecom Customers Benefit From New Phone Tech

Telecom Customers To Benefit From New Mobile Phone Technology

Telecom is set to take its mobile phone customers into the new on-line era with the adoption of the cdmaOne digital technology.

CdmaOne is a patented technology based on the generic radio technology known as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). This multiple access radio technology offers a high quality digital cellular service and enables high capacity, high-speed mobile data.

"This decision follows extensive international research on the best options available, which enabled us to see the technology mature, and to also observe the deployment of CDMA on a global basis," said Telecom's Network Group General Manager David Bedford.

"Virtually all cellular technology paths lead to CDMA including GSM. Our existing digital network provides a high quality voice service, but we need to ensure that in the future our cellular network meets all the requirements of our customers, including the need for high-speed, quality mobile data.

"CDMA technology is the choice of a large number of operators in other countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and our nearest neighbour Australia.

"The mobile phone market is growing at a rapid rate and customers are wanting increasingly sophisticated features. With cdmaOne, Telecom will be able to make a seamless transition to the Third Generation world of higher data rates and this will enable Telecom to offer the broadest range of data and voice products and services to our customers.

"Telecom will continue to support and invest in our existing D-AMPS and analogue networks, in co-operation with our current cellular supplier Ericsson. This is an important relationship we intend to retain.

"Telecom plans to commercially launch cdmaOne in early 2001 and customers will be migrated onto the cdmaOne network as is convenient to them.

"Meanwhile, customers can be assured that our existing networks will be fully operational and our CDPD network currently provides the only packet cellular data service available.

"The transition to CDMA is being designed to be as smooth as possible, by providing customers with an attractive upgrade path to CDMA. Existing customer services, including Pre-Paid will be able to be supported on the new network. A wide range of phones will also be available from world-renowned brands.

"For the provision of CDMA technology, Telecom will be commencing negotiations with prospective vendors soon.

"CdmaOne will provide Telecom with a platform for strong future growth by offering a leading and comprehensive range of products and services to equip our customers for their communication, business and on-line needs well into the 21st Century."

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