COM DEV's Wireless Group Launches New TDMA Cellular/PCS Basestation
- New product optimized for rural and small network applications -
NEW ORLEANS, LA, Feb. 28 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSE:CDV)
today announced the commercial launch of its new 800 MHz, EIA/TIA-136, TDMA
(Time Division Multiple Access) dual mode, cellular basestation, at the annual
convention and exposition of the Cellular Telecommunications Industries
Association (CTIA). In the next few months the 1900 MHz, PCS version of the
GlobalCell IID(TM) will be introduced.
The new TDMA basestation, featuring COM DEV's Soft Radio design and
scaleable architecture, is the first product resulting from the acquisition of
Wireless Group's Software and Systems Development Centre, previously Lober &
Walsh Engineering of San Luis Obispo, California in October, 1999.
The new EIA/TIA-136 basestation, named GlobalCell IID(TM), is currently
being combined with Wireless Group's existing GlobalSwitch(TM) Digital Mobile
Switching Centre (MSC) and GlobalHub(TM) IS-41 VLR/RTI Interface. "While the
macrocell architecture of GlobalCell IID(TM) was designed to meet the needs of
rural service applications, the scheduled release of the 1900 MHz PCS version
of GlobalCell IID(TM) will fit the Microcell market well" said Joshua Lober,
Wireless Group's Vice President of Digital and Software Systems. "Beyond the
microcell, our Soft Radio architecture is also ideal for picocell and
in-building wireless applications" Lober added.
FCC and Industry Canada-type approvals are expected within a few weeks.
The system has been in Beta trials carrying live revenue generating traffic
since late 1999. The first commercial installation was recently completed for
Blue Ridge Communications Group, Inc. and is providing digital cellular
service with Blue Ridge's Caribbean Customer. COM DEV has also recently signed
an agreement with Caribbean Telecommunications Ltd. (CTL) of Guyana to expand
CTL's network in the Capital City of Georgetown.
The scaleable system architecture allows for a small, relatively
inexpensive start-up system that grows gracefully as subscribers increase.
This scaleability, combined with the flexible nature of the system
interconnect and the ability to operate in a distributed network
configuration, makes the new COM DEV GlobalCell IID(TM) a natural choice for
system operators in small or thinly populated rural areas, in start-up
situations or in developing economies. The new product is fully backward
compatible with COM DEV's earlier GlobalCell II(TM) analogue basestations. It
therefore provides a smooth migration path by which established customers can
make the transition to digital.
"We are aiming to provide a full suite of products for those system
operators in low teledensity, rural areas and in developing economies, with a
cost-effective, scaleable platform on which they can launch a successful
wireless business. Stay tuned for even more..." says Anita Davis, Vice
President and General Manager of COM DEV's Wireless System Products Division.
"We chose COM DEV as our preferred supplier for TDMA equipment for a
variety of reasons: cost of the equipment, the simplicity of design, the
features and the quality of service offered. We are thus able to offer a full
TDMA service to our customers at prices our competitors cannot match," said
Tony Brooks, President of Blue Ridge.
"COM DEV supplied CTL with its first analog cellular system in 1998",
said Prajah Singh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CTL. "We
decided to expand our network with COM DEV based on its equipment performance
and outstanding customer service. The Georgetown installation, scheduled for
May, will be the first TDMA service offered to CTL's subscribers. Subsequent
installations are anticipated for the rest of the country later this year with
a view to countrywide expansion."
Blue Ridge Communications is a growing Virginia-based telecommunications
company, having interests in a number of overseas operations.
CTL, a licensed operator, was incorporated in 1994 to capitalize on the
growing demand for wireless/cellular services in Guyana.
COM DEV International is the largest Canadian-owned designer,
manufacturer and distributor of space and wireless subsystem products through
its two divisions: the Wireless Group and the Space Group. COM DEV employs
more than 1,300 people in facilities in Canada, the United States, the United
Kingdom and China.
The Wireless Group designs and manufactures leading edge wireless
subsystems that enjoy broad acceptance among global wireless, cellular
telephone and PCS system vendors. In addition to the TDMA BTS products,
included among the Wireless Group's advanced subsystems products are:
- The core signal conditioning products that are found in the wireless
infrastructure equipment of most major manufacturers that are
currently being deployed world-wide in cellular telephone and PCS
networks; plus
- Soft Radios, wireless Internet access infrastructure and new products
to be used in wireless communications operating under existing and
evolving technology standards like W-ODFM, W-CDMA and 3G, the
next-generation broadband mobile telephony.
The Space Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced
microwave products that are sold to the major satellite prime contractors for
use in earth science and commercial communications satellites worldwide.
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from
results indicated in any forward-looking statements. The company cautions
that, among other things, in view of the rapid changes in the wireless
communications markets and technologies, and other risks including the cost
and market acceptance of the company's new products, the level of individual
customer procurements and competitive product offerings and pricing, and
general economic circumstances, the company's business prospects may be
materially different from forward-looking statements made by the company.
For further information: Investor and Media Contact: Ron Holdway, Vice
President, Corporate Communications Tel: (519) 622-5004, Fax: (519) 622-1691,
E-mail: investor.relations@comdev.ca, Website: www.comdev.cc; Analyst
Contact: David Belbeck, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (519) 622-2300 ext.
2288, Fax: (519) 622-2158, E-mail: david.belbeck@comdev.ca
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