TERRY, Mont.-Western Wireless Corp. took a substantial step towards third-generation technology by launching 1xRTT high-speed wireless data service in rural Terry, Mont., last week.
Western Wireless, which normally operates under the Cellular One name, said that upon availability of 1x handsets, theirs will be the first commercially available service using 1x technology in the nation. And if Western Wireless meets its own expectations for handsets, this prediction may just pan out. “We are working with several vendors and expect to have handsets in the hands of customers in a 60 to 90 day timeframe,” said Julie Newsum, the company’s senior manager of marketing.
1x radio transmission technology is known as the first enhancement in the cdma2000 progression to third-generation technology, and is commonly considered to be 2.5G itself, although this is a hotly debated industry issue.
“Customers in Terry will not only benefit from broadband services that far exceed the capability of the incumbent landline carrier, but they will have access to high-speed data before many of their friends and family members who live in the most populated cities of the country,” said Western Wireless president and chief operating officer, Mikal Thomsen.
At the launch, Montana Sen. Conrad Burns (R) pointed out benefits rural America can reap from technology upgrades, including competition and access for small businesses, distance learning and telemedicine, and educational opportunities. “This is one more example of rural America having the same opportunity as the urban areas in our nation,” he added.
The 1x network in Terry operates on Nortel Networks’ equipment for data services capable of speeds of at least 144 kbps, based on Western Wireless’ testing. According to Western Wireless, most Americans access the Internet at speeds of 56 kbps and slower.
