Data is the name of the game for the wireless future. That is
why CDPD is never going to be successful.
QUALCOMM Ships Integrated Fax and Data Capabilities for CDMA
Wireless Network Infrastructure
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) today
announced the availability of IS-707 packet data, circuit-switched data and digital fax
capabilities on its cdmaOne(TM) (IS-95 and J-STD-0008 Code Division Multiple Access)
infrastructure equipment. This new service offers wireless providers an end-to-end solution for
data services. QUALCOMM, the first vendor to demonstrate packet data capabilities on a
CDMA system in early 1997, continues to lead the industry in CDMA data with the
introduction of packet data IS-707 data services for CDMA wireless networks.
"We believe that in order for wireless service providers to maintain a competitive edge in their
markets, they must be able to provide advanced features and services, such as fax and data, to
their customers," said John Major, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure
Products Division. "Therefore, we are proud to continue our CDMA data leadership by
bringing IS-707 services to market first. Operators in Chile, India, Russia and Ukraine are
already installing QUALCOMM CDMA equipment with circuit-switched data and digital fax
capabilities, with packet data following soon. Our customers will be the first operators in the
world to offer CDMA IS-707 data service capabilities on their networks."
Digital fax allows customers of wireless service providers to send and receive faxes via their
computers using their CDMA digital phone connection. Circuit-switched data, also known as
asynchronous data, allows CDMA phone users to dial into an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
or into a corporate Local Area Network (LAN) to access Internet or intranet services. Digital
fax and circuit-switched data both employ a technique that is highly efficient for large data
transfers, as a dedicated connection is maintained for the duration of the data call. Both data
services now commercially available on QUALCOMM's CDMA network equipment and
phones for speeds up to 14.4 kilobits per second (kbps).
In order to send a fax or establish a data connection, the user simply connects their
QUALCOMM CDMA IS-707-capable phone to their computer with an RS-232 cable, and
utilizes off-the-shelf fax or dial-up software to setup the call. The traditional computer modem
is replaced by the CDMA wireless link and modems integrated into QUALCOMM's
QCore(TM) Base Station Controller (BSC), which utilize V-series data and fax modem
protocols.
Packet data utilizes the Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit "packets" of data over a network, and
is optimal for applications that send and receive data in bursts, such as sending and receiving
e-mail, browsing the World Wide Web, or querying the Internet. Packet data offers a direct
connection to the Internet in two to three seconds, and requires no "modem training time."
Packet data is supported for speeds up to 14.4 kbps, and is expected to be commercially
available in QUALCOMM infrastructure in March 1998.
The IS-707 data capabilities reside in the QCore BSC, which employs a computer-based
architecture that offers many advantages to operators, including reduced capital investment,
faster implementation of new features and services, and simpler network planning.
The QCore BSC architecture includes an integrated Interworking Function (IWF), which
performs the necessary tasks to process data and fax transmissions. Circuit-switched data and
digital fax capabilities are integrated into the IWF, eliminating the need for third party hardware
and software acquisition and integration.
Fax, data and voice calls utilize the same hardware in the QCore BSC, and resources are
dynamically allocated based on a per-call basis. This means that all system resources are
available for any type of call, and the system can easily accommodate a change in the mix of
data and voice calls in real time. Therefore, the need for complicated network planning to
allocate specific resources to voice and data calls is eliminated.
QUALCOMM's CDMA systems employ a "packetized" backbone for voice, so packet
capabilities are already inherent in the equipment and the only hardware upgrade required is an
off-the-shelf packet router. Because data is handled similarly to voice in the network, CDMA's
inherent variable rate transmission capability also applies to data services, allowing the data
rate to be determined by the amount of information being sent. Therefore, CDMA data utilizes
system resources on an as-needed basis, resulting in even greater spectral efficiency for
operators.
Packet data services can be readily implemented in QUALCOMM's QCore BSC with the
addition of the packet data software and an off-the-shelf network router. The router is
connected directly to the Internet, allowing operators to bypass the landline network or public
switched telephone network (PSTN) when offering Internet access to their customers.
QUALCOMM's integrated, single-platform solution for standardized data services operates in
cellular, Personal Communications Services (PCS) and wireless local loop networks.
As the developer of CDMA, QUALCOMM continues to demonstrate its expertise in
maximizing the performance of CDMA technology across its infrastructure equipment,
subscriber products and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). As the developer of
CDMA technology, QUALCOMM continues to invest in research, development and
standardization of new CDMA features and services, as well as enhanced digital wireless
technologies.
Headquartered in San Diego, QUALCOMM develops, manufactures, markets, licenses, and
operates advanced communications systems and products based on its proprietary digital
wireless technologies. The Company's primary product areas are CDMA wireless
communications systems and products, the OmniTRACS(R) system (a geostationary
satellite-based, mobile communications system providing two-way data and position reporting
services) and, in conjunction with others, the development of the Globalstar(TM)
low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications system. Other Company products include the
Eudora Pro(TM) electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications equipment and
systems for government and commercial customers worldwide. For more information on
QUALCOMM products and technologies, please visit the Company's web site at
qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains
forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including timely product
development and commercial implementation of the Company's products, as well as the other
risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 28, 1997 and most recent Form 10-Q.
QUALCOMM, OmniTRACS, Eudora and Eudora Pro are registered trademarks of
QUALCOMM Incorporated. QCore is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated.
Globalstar is a trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services, Incorporated. cdmaOne is
a trademark of the CDMA Development Group.
Copyright 1998, PR Newswire
CONTACT: Michelle French, Infrastructure Media Relations, 1-619-651-2366 (ph),
1-619-651-2622 (fax); mfrench@qualcomm.com; or Christine Trimble, Corporate
Communications, 1-619-651-3628 (ph), 1-619-651-2590 (fax), ctrimble@qualcomm.com; or
Julie Cunningham, Investor Relations, 1-619-658-4224 (ph), 1-619-651-2590 (fax),
juliec@qualcomm.com |
