To: quidditch who wrote (3378 ) 11/18/1999 8:52:00 AM From: Bux Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 13582
I guess you are saying two things: (i) use Korea as the test bed/lab to work out MSM4500 (and maybe even 1xrtt, on which MSM4500 builds, if I've got it right) kinks for the US and other markets and, more importantly, perhaps, (ii) force the rate of adoption of HDR so the SP folks can see what it really does and can better appreciate the potential market. First, I don't think it's accurate to speak of "forcing the rate of adoption of HDR" nor do I think it's possible. "Demonstrating the viability of HDR" is probably more accurate. I.J. spoke about a "catch 22", a reluctance on the carriers part to be the first to deploy this new technology and I think Clark hit the nail on the head when he said the carriers concerns may be more about demand than the technology itself. It is my impression that Korean consumers are more impressed and less intimidated by technology than American consumers. It is important to start out on the right foot. As to your first point, I think "working the kinks out" may not apply so much to the ASICS as it does to the network tuning and configuration. Qualcomm does not just make the chips, but also system software, test equipment and network configuration software tools. Qualcomm engineers will be intimately involved with the Korean rollout and with the knowledge gained rolling out HDR, will be better prepared to bring these support tools and literature to other carriers so engineers aren't spread too thin when HDR becomes a "must have" addition to voice networks. Would you prefer that Q kick back and let the first carrier to come forward become the test bed by default? I cannot figure why you are so concerned with this investment. Even if not for the above benefits, do you believe it is a money losing proposition? I doubt it. Bux