Motorola Deploys CDMA Softswitch

Motorola has successfully completed the first deployment of its innovative SoftSwitch for CDMA (MSS-C) on a CDMA2000 1X network for Tata Teleservices in the Maharashtra circle in Western India. In addition to installing the groundbreaking MSS-C solution, Motorola was able to assemble the network in Nagpur in only six weeks, with actual deployment completed in just seven days. Tata Teleservices launched its mobile service network in early July.

"We are excited that we've achieved this milestone in our advanced technology introduction," said S. Ramakrishnan, managing director, Tata Teleservices Ltd. "Traditional circuit switches cannot continue to scale and evolve cost effectively to meet the requirements of the wireless local loop (WiLL) market in India. The fundamentally better economics of the MSS-C, combined with the architectural flexibility, speed of new feature development, and ease of deployment, will provide us with a competitive advantage as we continue to grow our network."

The MSS-C plays an integral role in Tata's deployment of its network in major urban areas. It provides all of the features of a traditional circuit switch, yet takes up to five times less space and three times less power. The MSS-C also can support 2G, 3G and 4G networks, eliminating the need for forklift upgrades and unnecessary capital expenditure. The operational efficiencies of the MSS-C and its ability to readily support wireless packet-based services result in greater flexibility and lower network lifecycle expenses for operators as the industry evolves to an all IP future.

Motorola completed its acquisition of Winphoria Networks, Inc. in early May 2003, adding a softswitch to its portfolio and complementing its end-to-end wireless networking solution. Motorola believes the MSS-C solution will initially meet the needs of operators in emerging markets where greenfield opportunities exist. In addition, large, mature operators with legacy systems will be able to deploy the MSS-C in existing markets for growth.

The MSS-C is a packet-based platform capable of more than one million busy hour call attempts (BHCA). The CDMA interface between the Motorola radio access network (RAN) and the switch is fully compliant with the IS-634 interoperability standard, commonly called the InterOperability Specification (IOS) open standard. Cost efficiencies savings are enabled through a highly scalable, open architecture, and the MSS-C can dramatically reduce the time to market for new features and services, which all combine to improve operators' financial performance."

Posted to the site on 16th July 2003