ADC Telecommunications Inc. is forming a joint venture with PCS Wireless Inc. to manufacture, market and sell remote antenna drivers and remote antenna signal processors to be used in hybrid fiber/coax networks.
By incorporating the RAD/RASP architecture into HFC networks, ADC said the joint venture will provide the quickest and most cost-effective way for personal communications services license holders to implement service. The products will support both Code Division Multiple Access and PCS 1900 digital air interfaces, the company said.
“The wireless market is growing rapidly, offering the joint venture company tremendous potential for participating in the deployment of PCS over new or existing HFC architectures,” said Jack Reily, vice president of business development for ADC.
While RAD/RASP technology helps improve the performance of existing wireless services, Reily said it is a compelling solution for emerging PCS license holders with access to HFC networks. By incorporating the RAD/RASP technology into an existing bidirectional HFC network, the basic infrastructure required for delivering PCS is 90 percent complete and the network is already totally operational, he said.
“The RAD/RASP technology gives public network service providers a solution for delivering PCS to subscribers. For example, hospitals may have a RAD located at the building to capture the PCS signal, so that doctors with cell phones can use them inside the building,” Reily said.
ADC said the yet-unnamed joint venture company is being capitalized at $5 million. ADC also said it plans to purchase 5 million shares, or 15 percent, of PCS Wireless. The companies “felt that forming the joint venture was the best way to ensure a unified focus on the opportunities that this new market promises to offer,” Reily said. “It also ensures the optimum blending of technology, manufacturing, technical support and marketing capabilities into one symbiotic relationship.”
In addition to the joint venture, PCS Wireless will supply its microcell extender and base station extender products to ADC for marketing worldwide, as well as provide ADC with the option to manufacture the products.
ADC said the extender technology will enhance the capability of its CityCell digital fiber-optic microcell system to provide service in high-density, high-use urban environments, including buildings and airports.
