Low Cost CDMA Based 3G Handsets

The CDMA Development Group (CDG) has announced that at least two suppliers of ultra low-cost mobile devices are currently offering 3G CDMA2000 phones for less than US$35 to selected carriers, and another five suppliers are offering CDMA2000 handsets for less than US$40. In 2007, another 30 ultra low-cost CDMA2000 mobile handset designs are expected to become commercially available from more than fifteen suppliers.

"Our goal is to continue to work with our CDG members to ensure devices are available for all market segments, while sustaining a healthy ecosystem and delivering a broad selection of voice and 3G data services that our CDMA2000 subscribers have come to expect," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG.

The CDG GHRC initiative develops a common set of CDMA2000 device requirements that are used by 3G service providers to generate economies of scale through the aggregation of device purchases.

The CCF initiative standardizes and streamlines the product test and certification process so that CDMA2000 devices can be delivered quicker, with greater test coverage and more affordably. With the continued success of the GHRC, CCF and CDMA operator device aggregation efforts, the CDG and its member companies will be able to deliver a wider selection of ultra low-cost handsets with more value-added services than other competing standards."

Posted to the site on 8th February 2007