UralWestcom, a joint venture between Russian Telecommunications Development Corporation (RTDC) and Ural Svyaz Inform, has begun a trial of advanced wireless services delivery over the 450 MHz radio spectrum using CDMA2000 1X Wireless Data Network technology from Nortel Networks.
The trial is being conducted in Yekaterinburg, whose nearly 1.5 million people make it Russia's fourth largest city. Trial completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2003.
"This trial demonstrates our commitment to the 450 MHz market in Russia and Eastern Europe, and is a significant part of Nortel Networks strategy to provide cost-effective wireless data solutions for wireless operators," said Richard Piasentin, president, Wireless Data Networks, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Nortel Networks.
"CDMA 450 is gathering momentum and gaining attention from operators in Eastern Europe and Asia, mainly because it is relatively inexpensive to deploy," said Jason Chapman, principal analyst, Mobile Communications, Gartner. "The lower 450MHz frequency translates into less towers and base stations compared with traditional 900 MHz GSM or 800 MHz CDMA systems. This would be particularly pertinent when trying to cover vast regions such as Russia."
Nortel Networks infrastructure equipment being used in the trial includes CDMA Metro Cell radio base stations (BTS), CDMA Base Station Controllers (BSCs), CDMA mobility switching, Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) products, and commercial handsets.
CDMA 450 can double the geographical coverage provided by today's 800 MHz CDMA technology, which can reduce capital outlays for operators by reducing the number of cell sites needed to support mobile coverage areas. It can also reduce the need for operators to purchase additional radio spectrum beyond initial 450 MHz investments.
CDMA 450 is an established industry standard and has been approved by the Russian government for use by operators of Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) analogue networks seeking to migrate to third generation CDMA technology."
Posted to the site on 3rd October 2003
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/9851.php