Slacker, thanks for your response. No need to provide a link to technically explain 1xrtt, you've summed it up nicely-an upgrade to increase speed, capacity, and packet based technology.
Nextel already supports a national packet based system with an "always on" connection, so it appears PCS is playing catch up in this regard. Apparently iDEN has an inherent advantage over their TDMA brethren, which to the best of my knowledge doesn't offer this service. So while iDEN is based on TDMA technology, it appears to be a superior form.
I recall three or four years ago when Nextel was rolling out voice service, some CDMA pundits claimed Nextel would never compete successfully with the supposed PCS voice capacity advantage. If my memory is correct, claims were made of 40x(?) analog capacity, which would clearly put Nextel at an extraordinary disadvantage. Obviously this hasn't happened, and now much of the focus is steered toward the CDMA data advantage. Time will tell whether this comes to fruition, or quietly pass in the same manner that voice has.
Since iDEN is a proprietary technology and Motorola/Nextel hold their cards close to their vest regarding upgrades, I don't expect they will "pre-announce" much in advance their data initiatives. I expect them to quietly and without much fanfare simply to roll it out, much in the same manner as their current packet based system, which IMO is the most advanced anywhere, at this time. I don't think their lack of news releases should be interpreted as lying fallow regarding high speed data.
I believe both PCS and Nextel will continue to be very successful service providers (with a bias toward Nextel) and any technical advantage by either will be short lived and temporary. Free enterprise is alive and well and multi standard carriers will provide consumers with options, low prices, and require wireless service providers, manufacturers, and developers with the incentive to innovate.
Thanks again,
Ron |
