Midwest Wireless launched the first phase of its cdma2000 1x network spanning 68 counties in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin and covering more than 50 percent of the carrier’s total operational area and two-thirds of its licenses’ potential customers.
Nortel Networks Ltd., which provided the CDMA infrastructure for Midwest Wireless, said it began deploying the 1x network over Midwest Wireless’ legacy TDMA network during the fourth quarter of 2002 and that the carrier’s entire network would be 1x enabled by the end of this year. Nortel also said it provided Midwest Wireless’ TDMA network and has been working with the rural operator for nine years.
Earlier this year, Dennis Miller, Midwest Wireless’ president and chief executive officer, told RCR Wireless News the carrier’s 1x network plans would augment its previously available narrowband services, including ring tones and text messaging, and that he expected business users to drive early adoption of the service. Miller also said the decision to deploy 1x was not strictly based on generating future roaming revenue for the carrier, but on providing the best possible services to its current customer base.
Analysts noted that while Midwest Wireless’ technology overlay decision was counter to the growing trend of rural TDMA operators deciding to install GSM-based technology onto their networks, it would align the Mankato, Minn.-based carrier with a number of CDMA carriers in the region, including Alltel Corp. and U.S. Cellular Corp., as well as nationwide operators Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS.
In support of the launch, Midwest licensed Bridgewater Systems’ AAA Service Controller, Revenue Collector and Formatter to provide subscriber access, service management, provisioning and mediation capabilities.
