Sprint, Samsung and QUALCOMM Successfully Make First CDMA Third Generation Voice Call
LENEXA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 2000--Sprint PCS (NYSE:PCS - news), Samsung Telecommunications America Inc. (Samsung) and QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq:QCOM - news) announced today that the three companies have successfully made the first voice call by a carrier using third-generation (3G) Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 1x technology in North America.
The call was made during a demonstration at the Sprint PCS Technology Integration Lab in Lenexa, Kan.
In the fall of 1999, Sprint PCS, Samsung and QUALCOMM agreed to evaluate the usability, economics and technical feasibility of offering 3G CDMA 1x technology as part of Sprint PCS' line of wireless services. The collaborative effort called for a multi-phase trial that will evaluate 3G CDMA 1x technology. The main objectives of the trials are to: test the anticipated benefits that 3G CDMA 1x technology can offer the end user, identify new applications that can be offered using 3G CDMA 1x data rates, and validate current delivery schedules for commercial 3G CDMA 1x products.
The 3G CDMA 1x trial will consist of verification of 3G CDMA 1x functionality, validation of 3G CDMA 1x air interface and the expected gains of 3G CDMA 1x. In addition, the trial showcases data applications and demonstrates Samsung infrastructure and handset product capabilities. Today's voice call is part of the first phase of the trial.
``We're extremely pleased with the results of today's test,' said Jeong Han Kim, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. ``This is a major accomplishment for Samsung, Sprint PCS and QUALCOMM. This trial is another great example of how well the three organizations are working together. We are in the very early stages of this exciting new technology and it is through partnerships like this that we can truly bring to fruition all of the potential benefits that 3G CDMA 1x technology can offer.'
``Sprint PCS is eager to bring the benefits of third-generation technology to our customers,' said Andy Sukawaty, president of Sprint PCS. ``Faster data speeds, more network capacity and increased battery life are the major attributes expected with 3G CDMA 1x technology. The improvements in wireless technology are happening at a rapid pace, and QUALCOMM and Sprint PCS are working with Samsung and Sprint's other network vendors to take wireless to a new level.'
``QUALCOMM is proud to be part of the first 3G CDMA 1x voice call by a carrier which represents a major milestone in the cooperative effort between Sprint, Samsung and QUALCOMM to develop commercial 1x products using Qualcomm's core technology, chipset and software solutions,' said Don Schrock, president of QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. ``The combined experience, leadership and engineering expertise of these world leading CDMA suppliers will enable the rapid development and rollout of the most advanced 3G CDMA 1x system, and we look forward to further cooperation in realizing this goal.'
The voice call was performed at the Sprint PCS Technology Integration Center (STIC) using Samsung's Third Generation Base Station Systems and QUALCOMM's 3G CDMA 1x trial handset which incorporates the company's MSM5000(TM) chipset and system software. Samsung's system consisted of a Base Station Controller, Base Station Management and Base Station Transceivers.
During the second phase of the trial, expected later this year, Sprint PCS, Samsung and QUALCOMM will demonstrate increased data rates, increased data capacity and longer battery life as well as many other unique features that 3G technology offers. In addition, during the second phase Samsung and QUALCOMM will illustrate the effect of mixing data and voice users in one cell at the same RF frequency.
About Samsung
Samsung Telecommunications America, Inc. a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company, researches, develops, and markets telecommunications and data communications systems and products throughout North America. STA has four main business groups: Wireless Systems, Wireless Terminals, Networks and Business Communications. For more information visit Samsung's Web site at www.samsungtelecom.com. Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., a $24 billion flagship company of the Korean-based Samsung Group, is a world leader in electronics, which operates in more than 60 countries.
About Sprint PCS
Sprint PCS operates the largest all-digital, all-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 270 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.'
About Sprint
Sprint is a global communications company at the forefront of integrating long- distance, local and wireless communications services, and one of the largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint built and operates the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and is a leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $20 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 20 million business and residential customers.
About QUALCOMM
QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on the Company's CDMA digital technology. The Company's business areas include integrated CDMA chipsets and system software; technology licensing; Eudora© email software for Windows© and Macintosh© computing platforms; satellite-based systems including portions of the Globalstar(TM) system and wireless fleet management systems, OmniTRACS© and OmniExpress(TM). QUALCOMM owns patents which are essential to all of the CDMA wireless telecommunications standards that have been adopted or proposed for adoption by standards-setting bodies worldwide.
QUALCOMM has licensed its essential CDMA patent portfolio to more than 75 telecommunications equipment manufacturers worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 1999 FORTUNE 500© company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market© under the ticker symbol QCOM.
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, the Company's ability to successfully manufacture significant quantities of CDMA or other equipment on a timely and profitable basis, and those related to performance guarantees, change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, 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 26, 1999, and most recent Form 10-Q.
Note to Editors: QUALCOMM, OmniTRACS and Eudora are registered trademarks and OmniExpress is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is a trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services, Incorporated. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Contact:
Samsung, Dallas
Dennis Watson, 972/761-7353
or
Sprint PCS
Jeff Chaltas, 816/559-5398
or
QUALCOMM, San Diego
CDMA Technologies
Anita Hix, 858/658-5879
or
Christine Trimble, 858/651-3628
Fax: 858/651-2590
e-mail: ctrimble@qualcomm.com
or
Julie Cunningham, 858/658-4224
Fax: 858/651-9303
e-mail: jcunningham@qualcomm.com |
