As they launch their enhanced data networks, carriers are also planning for the third generation (3G).
Carriers that choose cdma2000 have direct paths to 3G because there are no interim overlays and no new networks to build. The first evolutionary phase, cdma2000 1X, is a true 3G technology sanctioned by the International Telecommunication Union. Cdma2000 1X provides data speeds in excess of the 144-kilobit-per-second (kbps) ITU standard.
CdmaOne networks are already packet capable. Operators buy standard, low-cost routers and Internet Protocol (IP) gateways from a wide range of manufacturers. To migrate to cdma2000 1X, operators only need to add channel cards and software enhancements to base station controllers and base transceiver stations.
Cdma2000’s advantages are not limited to cdmaOne operators. TDMA carriers use ANSI-41, the same core network standard as cdmaOne. Any ANSI-41 network will be able to roll out cdma2000 1X as an immediate 3G path. Many TDMA carriers are investigating this option. U.S. carrier Nextel Communications, which operates a TDMA-based iDEN network, is planning to launch cdma2000 1X services.
Some governments mandate that wireless carriers use a specific 3G technology. However, for the many operators that do not need to meet such a directive, cdma2000 offers a time-to-market advantage to provide subscribers higher data rates. For example, Bell Mobility of Canada, which had originally considered TDMA before switching to cdmaOne, has recently completed 1X field trials for deployment this year.
Even GSM networks can migrate to cdma2000 1X because the ITU’s IS-833 standard defines how cdma2000 can operate in the GSM Mobile Access Protocol (MAP) environment. This will enable cdma2000 1X technology to be used in GSM MAP and give GSM carriers the ability to launch 3G services as soon as possible.
Before GSM/General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) services are available, 3G networks-built with cdma2000 1X-will be preparing for launch. Carriers in more than 10 nations are either testing or switching on their own commercial networks this year. SK Telecom’s cdma2000 1X network in Korea has been operational since last October, realizing data rates of 150 kbps and higher.
Besides bringing 3G to market quickly, cdma2000 1X technology offers other benefits. It doubles the voice capacity of cdmaOne and offers six times that of other digital technologies. The increase in data speeds does not come at the expense of voice services.
In addition, cdma2000 1X can be deployed in existing spectrum and the IMT-2000 bands. It operates in cellular and personal communications services (PCS) frequencies-450 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz-as well as IMT-2000 frequencies. Cdma2000 1X also delivers 3G while occupying the same amount of bandwidth, 1.25 megahertz per carrier, as a second-generation (2G) network.
Cdma2000 1X also doubles handset standby time and extends battery life. Devices are forward and backward compatible. Unless they want to experience the value-added benefits of 3G services, customers do not need to buy new phones. And 3G phones will work on cdmaOne networks.
The technology also provides a smooth evolutionary path. After cdma2000 1X, software upgrades enable operators to offer speeds up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps). Then, with the use of three 1.25-megahertz channels, data rates will advance even higher and enable quality of service for multimedia applications.
Perry LaForge is executive director of the CDMA Development Group. He can be contacted by e-mail at cdg@cdg.com.
