Lucent Technologies Inc. and Sprint PCS announced they will conduct a joint trial of 1XEvolution technology, a third-generation technology based on High Data Rate technology.
The trial will begin over the Sprint PCS network in the first half of 2001 and involves testing and verification of the 2.4-megabit-per-second capability using Lucent’s Flexent wireless network platform. The test initially will take place in the Sprint PCS Technology Integration Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
The CDMA Development Group recently submitted the 1XEV specification to global standards group, Third Generation Partnership Project 2. The specification incorporates 1XRTT technology, which offers doubled voice capacity and data speeds of up to 144 kilobits per second to existing Code Division Multiple Access networks and HDR technology developed by Qualcomm Inc. 3GPP is expected to complete standardization of the technology in August.
Many CDMA operators plan to deploy 1X technology by next year, while Korean operators SK Telecom and KT Freetel plan commercial deployments in the fourth quarter. 1XEV should become commercially available by the end of 2001.
Now that megabit speeds are possible within 1.25 megahertz of spectrum, most CDMA vendors and operators today aren’t considering commercial deployment of 3X technology, which calls for high-speed data services within a wideband system. Most industry experts believe initial 1XEV applications will be offered via PCMCIA cards, which will allow customers to use their laptops wirelessly. 1XEV also could jump-start the lagging market for wireless local loop data applications in the U.S. market, where competing with landline infrastructure has been difficult. Many CDMA operators are looking at the prospect of offering high-speed Internet service to homes and businesses in rural areas.
