re: QCOM - 2nd 1xRTT contract announced in US (ALLTEL was first)
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Full text here:
biz.yahoo.com
Excerpt:
>> The agreement will provide Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) equipment via Interoperability Specifications (IOS) and third generation (3G) cdma2000 1x high-speed packet data to wireless network subscribers in a significant portion of the Sprint PCS markets.
The agreement is the second within a Motorola-supplied Sprint PCS network to include a 3Gnetwork upgrade to 1x, scheduled for the second half of 2001.
It also will enable 144 kilobits per second high-speed packet data. The new 1x packet data capability can enhance data throughput for wireless Internet users when used with a new family of voice or packet data subscriber devices to be introduced in the near future. <<
Meantime as regard MCOM, I had seen this:
"Coverage will continue expanding, and is targeted to reach 46 markets."
I have been looking for this (found it on the Mtericom Partners page):
"Metricom is focused on deploying and operating a 128 kbps wireless data network in major metropolitan areas of the United States, ultimately covering about 100 million."
metricom.com
Presumably the 100 million refers to POPs. This compares to 270 million at Sprint PCS, and 240 (and about to expand) at Verizon - or 270 million at AWS.
Metricom has worked top down on major markets and airports. This gives them some appeal and their major partner reseller is MCI World Com. Still 100 million is rather light, and the frequent US traveller is going to be without R2 services, too frequently.
There is still hope for me:
"You are in an area that is scheduled to be a Ricochet 128 kbps service area!"
Metricom's coverage maps (including coverage in my neighborhood) are quite good, quite detailed.
Current & proposed coverage is as follows:
"Today, Ricochet is available at 128 kbps in the following markets: Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas/Ft Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis-St Paul, New York City/Manhattan, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area. These areas join the Washington, D.C. and Seattle 28.8 kbps service areas.
Ricochet 128 kbps service continues under construction in these markets: Boston, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Salt Lake City, St Louis, Seattle, and Washington, D.C."
That is god coverage, but calling it nationwide is a stretch.
Given the fact that shortly after Metricom is due to complete roll out of 46 markets, Verizon & Sprint PCS will roll out 1xRTT, and AWS will roll out GPRS & (possibly EDGE).
Metricom may have a short window.
- Eric - |
