Ramsey - In other words, can QCOM use the infrastructure of a WLL for a PCS network?
There are two different answers to that question. The first is technical, and the second is political:
Technically most of the current WLL systems are based on one or another mobile standards (from IS-95 to AMPS to GSM to PHS). There are no standards, of which I am aware, designed specifically for WLL (although there are a few proprietary systems). Thus, in many cases the operators of a WLL system can use much of the same hardware as a mobile provider. However, that doesn't mean you, as a mobile user, can roam seamlessly through a WLL system. A lot of the control that goes into a mobile system is just not necessary for WLL system. The most obvious example is rapid cell handoffs, but there are many other issues as well. Thus, in order to offer a cost competitive system, the system providers remove the pieces they don't need and reconfigure the remaining hardware. So, the short answer is no, you probably couldn't use your cell phone in a WLL system without getting a specific WLL account for that location although technically the air interface is the same.
Politically there is a problem as well. Many of the developing countries, which are the biggest market for WLL systems, still have very tightly controlled telecom markets. The WLL system operators are specifically excluded from providing mobile service.
Hope this answers your question.
Clark |
