Sprint and Lucent Technologies Conduct Fastest 3G Data Call In The U.S. on Sprint PCS Wireless Network
Super Speeds to Deliver Streaming Video and Audio on Mobile Phone Applications
LENEXA, Kan. and MURRAY HILL, N.J., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Sprint (NYSE: FON PCS) and Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU - news) have completed the fastest- ever third-generation (3G) over-the-air data call for a U.S. mobile wireless carrier, at speeds of up to 2.4 mbps. Within the next two years, these high-speed data rates promise to alter the way people traditionally use wireless services and will enable Sprint PCS customers to take advantage of 3G advanced mobile phone applications such as streaming video and audio.
The successful call was conducted on April 5, 2001, at Sprint's test site in Lenexa, Kan., using a new technology protocol called CDMA2000(TM) 1xEV-DO (1x Evolution-Data Only). This 3G Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology makes it possible to transmit data up to 165 times faster than what now is available on wireless voice and data networks. With these speeds available on Sprint's network, consumers will be able to download music to their phones directly from the Internet or send pictures from remote locations such as the beach or the mountains. Business customers will be able to open complex e-mail attachments using wireless modems in their laptops without seeking a payphone or using expensive hotel connections.
Sprint, which is testing the 1xEV-DO technology through June, will test increased data throughput and capacity available with 1xEV-DO technology and also various applications such as web browsing, file transfer and streaming video and audio.
Lucent's commercial Flexent(TM) CDMA base stations and QUALCOMM's 1xEV-DO test equipment is being used in the trial. Commercial availability of Lucent's CDMA2000 1xEV-DO base stations is expected in 2002. The technology is expected to be deployed into the Sprint PCS wireless network by 2003.
``Our successful data call using 1xEV-DO demonstrates that Sprint PCS is on time and on target in delivering on the first steps to bring high speed mobile Internet access to our customers, allowing them to experience new and richer applications,'' said Oliver Valente, chief technology officer for Sprint PCS.
``This milestone data call further demonstrates Sprint's industry-leading position in 3G. From a wireless spectrum perspective, Sprint is equipped with enough spectrum nationwide for the next 10 years and will introduce high-speed packet data (3G1x) nationwide in 2002. Using our existing infrastructure to upgrade the Sprint PCS network to 3G by simply changing out channel cards in our base stations will ensure a timely, smooth and cost effective migration. Plus, it gives us the ability to be first to market with many new sophisticated mobile services,'' Valente said.
The Lucent equipment that achieved the higher data transmission rates with 1xEV-DO promises to provide a cost-effective means to meet the demand for high-speed mobile Internet access. This is accomplished through an evolution to an all-Internet Protocol (IP) core network with Lucent's Flexent Mobility Server and a simple circuit card and software upgrade to existing Lucent base stations.
``Our solution will help mobile operators efficiently deliver high-speed mobile Internet services to their customers,'' said Mary Chan, vice president of development for Lucent's Wireless Networks Group. ``We're committed to delivering this technology to meet the needs of our customers as they evolve to higher-speed 3G technologies.''
Sprint's aggressive 3G deployment for CDMA2000, also known as 3G1x, will result in the eventual doubling of the voice capacity of the Sprint PCS network; up to a tenfold increase in data speeds from 14.4 kbps to speeds of up to 144 kbps; and increased battery life for handsets in standby mode by approximately 50 percent. By early 2003, Sprint will move to the second of its four-stage migration path with speeds of up to 307 kbps. Later in 2003, peak speeds will reach those replicated in the Sprint-Lucent data call-up to 2.4 mbps-with 3G1xEV-Data Only (DO). In 2004, speeds will reach 3 mbps to 5 mbps with 3G1xEV-Data and Voice (DV).
Based on High Data Rate technology initially pioneered by QUALCOMM, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO complements the existing CDMA2000 3G1X. Last year, Lucent Technologies and Sprint PCS conducted field trials of 3G1X demonstrating peak data transmission rates of 144 kbps. Sprint will deploy CDMA2000 3G1X technology later this year.
About Sprint
Sprint is a world-class global telecommunications company -- at the forefront of integrating wireline and wireless communications services. Sprint is a large carrier of Internet traffic and a leader in broadband communications. Sprint built and operates the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and provides a portfolio of advanced data communications services. Sprint operates the largest 100-percent digital, 100-percent nationwide PCS 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 has $23 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 23 million customers.
About Lucent Technologies
Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers the systems, software and services for next-generation communications networks for service providers and enterprises. Backed by the research and development of Bell Labs, Lucent focuses on high-growth areas such as broadband and mobile Internet infrastructure; communications software; Web- based enterprise solutions that link private and public networks; and professional network design and consulting services. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at lucent.com .
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including QUALCOMM's ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of cdma2000 1x/1xEV components on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed to which cdma2000 1x/1xEV is deployed, the acceptance of the services offered in the marketplace, change in economic conditions of the various markets QUALCOMM serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the QUALCOMM's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 24, 2000, and most recent Form 10-Q.
cdmaOne is a trademark of the CDMA Development Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Sprint PCS |
