The USA's Cingular Wireless has announced plans to begin deploying 3G UMTS with HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) networks in a number of major urban and suburban markets beginning in 2005. Cingular's recent acquisition of AT&T Wireless provided the company with the spectrum necessary to build the 3G networks.
Cingular said it expects to offer 3G services in most major markets by the end of 2006.
Ericsson, Lucent and Siemens will provide the equipment necessary to give customers access to some of the fastest wireless data connections available. Cingular also signed an agreement with Nokia to enhance its existing GSM/GPRS/EDGE network and possibly support the deployment of its 3G UMTS network. Financial terms of the contracts were not disclosed. In addition, Cingular's strategic handset providers -- Nokia, Motorola and LG -- have committed to delivery of UMTS devices in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Currently, Cingular customers can use EDGE to receive average data connection speeds up to 135 kilobits per second depending on the device used. EDGE is available to over 260 million people in more than 8,500 cities and towns, and in areas along 30,000 miles of interstate highways. In the near future, UMTS devices will be backward compatible with EDGE.
Earlier this year, AT&T Wireless launched the country's first commercial UMTS wireless networks in Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. Cingular will continue to offer UMTS services in those six markets.
Cingular today also said it has started integration planning of the combined company's networks.
"Network improvement is the cornerstone of our merger with AT&T Wireless," continued Rinne. "If the network gives customers a great experience, every other function of the business feels the positive effects. The combination of the two companies' network assets positions Cingular to set a new standard for network excellence and raise the bar for wireless. We're ready to put our extensive voice and data experience to work to deliver the quality wireless experience our customers deserve."
Posted to the site on 2nd December 2004
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/11342.php