RESTON, Va.- Nextel Communications Inc. announced late Friday it will upgrade its iDEN network using Motorola Inc.’s WiDEN network technology, which the carrier said will quadruple its data speeds.
Nextel said its investment in the new WiDEN technology will be reflected in the carrier’s capital expenditures for this year. The carrier said it will deploy the necessary network infrastructure equipment and software in the second half of next year.
“Nextel expects to continue its leadership role in delivering mission-critical wireless data applications to businesses and government customers,” said Tom Kelly, the carrier’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “With a modest investment in WiDEN, we will enhance our ability to serve mobile workers who require PDA and PC-based applications.”
Kelly said Nextel will continue to evaluate capabilities, customer demand and cost efficiencies of broadband technologies.
Nextel’s move comes as the carrier’s rivals work to launch faster network technologies. Indeed, Verizon Wireless recently introduced CDMA 1x EV-DO network technology in San Diego and Washington, and AT&T Wireless Services Inc. is gearing up for an EDGE network launch.
