Superior Data Speeds With cdma 1X trial

Telecom Mobile Demonstrates Superior Data Speeds With cdma 1X trial

Data speeds of up to 144kbps have been demonstrated as part of a technology trial of cdma 1X, the next advance on Telecom's cdma mobile phone network. To date, GPRS networks have demonstrated average data speeds of 20-40kbps in testing environments.

The Waikato based full field trial is the first of its type conducted by Lucent outside of the United States. It is being held in parallel with two other major operators in the USA and has attracted the attention of people from a leading Japanese mobile phone operator, KDDI (one of the largest cdma operators in the world), who are coming to New Zealand to observe first hand.

"With cdma 1X Telecom Mobile has demonstrated it can achieve actual data speeds of up to 144kbps - that's faster than any other current mobile standard and double the speed that most users access the world-wide-web," says Telecom's General Manager Networks, Lorraine Witten.

Speeds over the network peaked at 153.6 kbps during the trial but customers could expect an average data speed between 80kbps and 120kbps when the technology is released at the end of the year.

"As the data speed on the network increases, so does the complexity and number of applications that can be offered. The move to cdma1X represents web surfing, high-fi audio, low quality video, large file transfer and interactive gaming.

"Overall, faster data speeds equal a dramatic change to the users experience and the functions a mobile device can perform."

The trial of the cdma 1X technology is being undertaken from a stand-alone Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) near Hamilton, temporarily integrated with six base stations. The trial began at Christmas and testing runs through to late April.

"Early in January the first cdma 1X voice call was successfully made and we have progressed with rigorous testing and trialing of various types of voice and data calls. Indications from the trial have been excellent," Ms Witten said.

Telecom will launch cdma in the middle of the year offering data speeds of up to 14.4 kbps. As cdma 1X is still a relatively new technology, still being tested around the world, it will be added as an enhancement to the cdma network later in the year.

"From launch, we are expecting customer transition to cdma to happen over time. With new enhancements such as cdma 1X, again, customers will choose to adopt to the new technology when it suits them.

"We expect many business and corporate customers will be early adopters of cdma 1X so we are working hard now to start developing specific applications for these customers," Ms Witten said.

For further information please contact: Consultus (part of the Acumen Group) Karyn Arkell or Katherine Scott on 04 472 0991 or Gary O'Neil- cdma Communications Manager 04 382 4392 gary.oneil@telecom.co.nz

or refer to our website: www.telecom.co.nz/cdma

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