Sprint Praises Latest Harmonization Efforts for Future of
Wireless Communications
PR Newswire - June 17, 1999 12:08
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Worldwide CDMA Standards will Enable Wireless Phones to be Used Globally for Internet and
High-Speed Data Capabilities
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Sprint today announced its support for a
harmonization agreement recently reached by a majority of major wireless operators and equipment
suppliers from around the world on a new family of standards for the next generation of wireless
systems.
The Operators Harmonization Group, a panel of representatives from more than 40 of the world's
largest wireless operators and vendors, including Sprint PCS, has proposed an agreement to develop
a harmonized set of wireless standards for the next generation of wireless technology known as G3G,
or global third-generation. The agreement provides a framework to be used by wireless standards
bodies around the world as they finalize a 3G CDMA standard.
"The agreement on a single CDMA solution for the next generation of wireless services is clearly a
victory for consumers and carriers," said Keith Paglusch, senior vice president of Operations at Sprint
PCS. "When implemented, this new family of standards will offer higher-speed data services to
support a wide range of new applications, including Internet services. It also will support phones and
data services the same wherever you go throughout the world. In addition, system operators will enjoy
cost savings because of the flexibility of this G3G solution. We are pleased that our technical teams
were able to play a key role in this agreement."
The standardization proposal -- called the "Harmonized Global 3G (G3G) Technical Framework for
ITU IMT-2000 CDMA Proposal" -- outlines the key technical parameters that can meet the
requirements of commercial wireless operators from around the world who desire a common global
specification for 3G CDMA systems.
In February 1998, Sprint PCS and its major vendors announced their joint vision and development
plans for 3G wireless systems. The new G3G proposal provides details for achieving this vision. The
three areas of focus outlined last year were as follows:
-- Backward Compatibility with Today's cdmaOne -- cdmaOne has been the
basis for most international 3G standards proposals. The G3G proposal
helps create a single integrated 3G CDMA specification from separate
WCDMA and cdma2000 proposals.
-- Offer Increased Data Rates -- Today's wireless data technology offers
speeds in the 14 kilobits per second range. The G3G proposal provides
data rates of around 1 megabit per second.
-- Utilize Existing Licensed PCS Spectrum -- The existing spectrum of the
cdmaOne technology used in the Sprint PCS network can also be used for
the technology under the G3G proposal.
"While there are still many technical details that need to be resolved within this framework document,
as well as provisions for its enforcement within the standards organizations, Sprint PCS views this
development of a G3G proposal as a positive step for the future of wireless communications," said
Oliver Valente, vice president of Technology and Advanced Systems Development at Sprint PCS.
"We're confident that these remaining concerns can be worked out to a satisfactory position with all
participants in the OHG."
Sprint PCS operates the largest 100 percent digital, 100 percent CDMA PCS nationwide wireless
network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including
more than 4,000 cities and communities across the country. Sprint PCS has licensed PCS coverage of
nearly 280 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more
information, visit the Sprint PCS web site at sprintpcs.com. Sprint PCS is a wholly-owned
tracking group of Sprint Corporation trading on the NYSE under the symbol "PCS."
Sprint is a global communications company at the forefront in integrating long distance, local and
wireless communications services and one of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint built
and operates the United States' only nationwide all-digital, fiber optic network and is a leader in
advanced data communications services. Sprint has $17 billion in annual revenues and serves more
than 17 million business and residential customers.
SOURCE Sprint PCS
/CONTACT: Tom Murphy, Sprint PCS Director of Media Relations,
816-559-6703, or pager, 888-347-1660, or e-mail: tmurph01@sprintspectrum.com
or Jeff Chaltas, Sprint PCS Manager of Media Relations, 816-559-5398, or
pager, 888-363-0558, or e-mail: jchalt01@sprintspectrum.com /
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