TOKYO-KDDI, the second-largest carrier in Japan, has decided to launch its third-generation (3G) services based on High Data Rate (HDR) technology. KDDI will launch its HDR services initially using the 800 MHz band, the spectrum in which it provides second-generation (2G) services.
KDDI is scheduled to launch cdmaOne 1X services using the 800 MHz band in September 2001. The cdmaOne 1X technology will provide data transmission speeds of up to 144 kilobits per second (kbps). By implementing HDR on the same 800 MHz band, KDDI will be able to offer up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps) services, although the services will not be on designated 3G spectrum.
KDDI is not calling the HDR service a 3G service, because Japan defines 3G services as those using the 2 GHz band.
In Japan, NTT DoCoMo and Japan Telecom are scheduled to launch 3G services based on wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) in May and December respectively. Their 3G services will initially provide up to 384 kbps data transmission speeds. KDDI will compete with NTT DoCoMo and Japan Telecom by implementing HDR.
HDR is a next-generation high-speed data transmission system developed by U.S.-based Qualcomm. HDR technology has been recognized as part of multi-carrier-1X (MC-1X), or cdma2000 technology, by the 3G Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) and is expected to soon be recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Qualcomm is gearing up its efforts to let carriers deploy HDR technology for 3G services combining HDR with MC-1X technology.
Yusai Okuyama, president of KDDI, said KDDI may also launch HDR services using the 2 GHz band, the band allocated to KDDI for 3G services. But he said the carrier will consider using other technologies too, including voice and data options for the 2 GHz band. HDR offers only data services. KDDI declared it will launch
cdmaOne 1X services using the 2 GHz band in September 2002.
KDDI, in conjunction with Hitachi and Qualcomm, have been carrying out field tests for HDR in Tokyo since July 2000.
