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DSC to Enter TDMA Cellular Systems Market
DSC's Cellular Infrastructure Division to Launch Small-Scale System for
Emerging Markets
DALLAS, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- DSC Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DIGI) announced that it is launching a new, small-scale Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) cellular system, based upon its existing AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) platform and designed specifically for emerging, low-subscriber density markets. The new product will undergo field trials in early 1999 and be commercially available by mid 1999.
The new DSC system consists of the TDMA GlobalSwitch(R), TDMA GlobalCell(R) base station and an integrated Network Management System. Like the company's AMPS and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) systems, the TDMA GlobalSwitch will combine traditional cellular system components into a single equipment cabinet. This design results in systems that are affordable to deploy, operate and maintain. Capable of handling up to 10,000 subscribers, the TDMA GlobalSwitch can be deployed as a new system or as an expansion of existing networks. For higher capacity, multiple GlobalSwitches can be networked together.
Inherent in the design of the new system is the flexibility it delivers to current DSC customers who operate the company's AMPS cellular systems. Due to compatible design, these operators will be able to migrate smoothly to the new TDMA product. Currently, DSC's AMPS systems are deployed in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America.
"This is a significant development milestone in DSC's wireless program," said Tom Berger, vice president, DSC's cellular infrastructure division. "It allows operators who are currently considering DSC AMPS products to purchase with the confidence that an upgrade path to digital technology is in place. In addition, DSC offers a full line of Wireless Intelligent Network products to provide a total system solution."
DSC is a member of the Universal Wireless Communications Consortium (UWCC). The UWCC is a consortium of over 100 telecommunications carriers and vendors of wireless products and services. The consortium is dedicated to supporting TDMA (IS-136) and UWC-136, digital air interfaces complemented by the Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN IS-41). The consortium indicates that TDMA is the leading cellular technology in the Americas and the second-leading technology in the world. Consortium research also indicates that TDMA reached 9.2 million subscribers at year-end 1997. The UWCC anticipates that number will grow to 115 million by the end of 2002.
"We welcome DSC's entry into the TDMA cellular infrastructure market," said Chris Pearson, marketing director for the UWCC. "The emerging, low subscriber density segment of the TDMA market will have one more equipment supplier to choose from and to expand the availability of TDMA technology in those markets."
DSC's Cellular Infrastructure Division (CID) was founded as Celcore, Inc. in 1992 and acquired by DSC in December 1997. The division designs and markets GSM and AMPS cellular systems for emerging markets. It pioneered the distributed network architecture for cellular systems and has customers and offices on five continents.
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