MONTREAL-Microcell Connexions Inc. announced plans to establish an advanced testing facility for third-generation wireless communications services, in cooperation with its partners in the North American GSM Alliance L.L.C.
The research and development initiative is aimed at devising a 3G technology adapted specifically for the Global System for Mobile communications market in North America, said Andre Tremblay, president and chief executive officer of Microcell Telecommunications Inc., parent company of Microcell Connexions.
The project, stemming from Microcell’s recent 3G developmental approval by Industry Canada, will be jointly funded by Alliance members, the company said. Microcell plans to use its developmental approval to test 3G wireless technology using a wideband Code Division Multiple Access platform, the standard that GSM Alliance members unanimously agreed upon earlier this year.
“This GSM Alliance partnership on third generation will provide an important framework on which industry cooperation can be established and from which economies of scale, consensus and Canadian thrust in R&D will be substantially enhanced,” said Norman Wai, chief operating officer of Microcell Connexions.
