QUALCOMM Announces Results of GSM-CDMA
Technology Trial
--Results Demonstrate Technical Feasibility of GSM-CDMA
Technology--
SAN DIEGO - February 17, 1998 - QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM)
today announced the results of the joint Vodafone/QUALCOMM GSM-CDMA
Technology Trial conducted over the last six months in Newbury, U.K. The
enhanced hybrid technology combines the Code Division Multiple Access
(CDMA) air interface with Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)
networks. Culminating in the first-ever GSM-CDMA phone call, the field trial
successfully demonstrated CDMA wireless access integrated into a GSM
network, and validated the technical feasibility of the technology.
A primary objective of the trial was to demonstrate compatibility between the
IS-95 CDMA air interface and an existing GSM network through integration of
an unmodified GSM switch over the GSM-standard A-interface. GSM-CDMA is
an extension of a GSM network with IS-95 CDMA radio access in addition to, or
as a substitute for, TDMA radio access. It combines the spectral efficiency of
CDMA with all the available features of GSM, including seamless roaming and
network services.
QUALCOMM and Vodafone connected to the live GSM network, using an
unmodified GSM switch, and made an extensive series of mobile-to-land,
land-to-mobile and mobile-to-mobile phone calls. The trial successfully
demonstrated the ability to overlay IS-95 radio access to a GSM Mobile
Switching Center (MSC) at the A-interface without major changes to existing
commercial GSM or CDMA products. In addition, the trial successfully
demonstrated the technical feasibility of GSM-CDMA integration while
maintaining CDMA over-the-air performance. Specific trial objectives included
validating compatibility with the standard unmodified GSM-A interface by
testing a variety of network services, such as timing performance, soft and
softer handover, failure rate performance and functional tests, and
supplementary service tests.
The trial network supplied by QUALCOMM consisted of four three-sectored
QCell Base station Transceiver Subsystems (BTS) and a QCore™ Base Station
Controller (BSC). The mobile phones used in the trial were QUALCOMM 1.9 GHz
PCS phones which were modified to accommodate standard GSM SIM cards.
The GSM phone software was supplied by The Technology Partnership.
More specifically, the trial demonstrated the technical feasibility of the
GSM-CDMA concept through:
Integration of a CDMA Base Station Subsystem (BSS - consisting of the
BSC and BTS components) with a core GSM switching network using the
standard A-interface. Phased integration of the CDMA BSS and GSM MSC
was completed to test compatibility at Message Transfer Point (MTP)
and BSSMAP levels.
Validation of the performance of the CDMA air-interface when integrated
to the GSM network. A set of radio performance tests was completed.
The tests included coverage and soft-handover in a standalone CDMA
network, with further performance testing and repeated tests following
integration.
Demonstration of stable and reliable GSM services. The trial
demonstrated that the GSM-CDMA concept supports supplementary
services such as call forwarding, call waiting, call hold and short message
service. Set-up time and failure rate tests show these services are
stable and reliable.
Demonstration of a security feature with the GSM authentication
algorithm. The trial demonstrated GSM authentication, which is part of
GSM Mobility Management, using the same algorithm, SIMs and
Authentication Center as used in the operational GSM network.
For a copy of the Technology Trial Report, please contact Molly Foerster at
+33 (0)4 92 38 82 20 (ph) or +33 (0)4 92 38 82 30 (fax). Alternatively, please
contact Desirée Gaugler at 1-(619) 658-4558 (ph) or 1-(619) 651-2880 (fax).
The Technology Partnership, based near Cambridge, is Europe's major product
development and engineering company and is the world's largest independent
supplier of GSM mobile phone technology. For further information, please
contact Dr. C. Graeme-Barber at the Technology Partnership at +44 (0)1763
262626.
Vodafone is the U.K.'s most popular mobile phone operator, and is a leading
international GSM operator bringing experience of the development, deployment
and operation of digital and analog cellular networks. For further information,
please contact David Danielli at the Vodafone Group Press Office at +44
(0)7000 500100.
Headquartered in San Diego, QUALCOMM develops, manufactures, markets,
licenses, and operates advanced communications systems and products based
on its proprietary digital wireless technologies. The Company's primary product
areas are CDMA wireless communications systems and products, the
OmniTRACS® system (a geostationary satellite-based, mobile communications
system providing two-way data and position reporting services) and, in
conjunction with others, the development of the Globalstar low-earth-orbit
(LEO) satellite communications system. Other Company products include the
Eudora Pro electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications
equipment and systems for government and commercial customers worldwide.
For more information on QUALCOMM products and technologies, please visit the
Company's web site at qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release
contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and
uncertainties, including timely product development and commercial
implementation of the Company's products, as well as the other risks detailed
from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 28, 1997 and most recent Form 10-Q.
# # #
QUALCOMM, OmniTRACS and Eudora are registered trademarks and Eudora Pro
is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. QCell and QCore are trademarks of
QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is a trademark of Loral QUALCOMM
Satellite Services, Incorporated. cdmaOne is a trademark of the CDMA
Development Group.
QUALCOMM Contacts:
Michelle French
Infrastructure Media Relations
(619) 651-2366
or
Christine Trimble
Corporate Communications
(619) 651-3628
or
Julie Cunningham
Investor Relations
(619) 658-4224 |
