LOS ANGELES–Wireless carriers toasted their high-speed mobile broadband networks with a number of 3G-related announcements during last week’s CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment event.
Verizon Wireless declared that it chose Motorola Inc. to upgrade its CDMA2000 1x EV-DO Revision 0 network with Revision A technology. Jim Straight, vice president of Verizon Wireless’ data and Internet services, said that the carrier will begin its Rev. A upgrade in the first quarter of next year, and that the first devices available will be enterprise-focused; PC aircards and laptops with embedded Rev. A capabilities.
Straight added that businesses are finding a payback when they invest in mobility for their workers.
Last year’s severe storms in the Southeast helped spur adoption, he said, because wireline networks were down, workers “were forced to be in a mobile state” and discovered its advantages.
“People are finding the power of mobility and what it can really do for them in their lives,” Straight said. However, he also added that Verizon Wireless believes there is “more hype than demand at this point” for fixed-mobile convergence.
Cingular Wireless L.L.C., meanwhile, unveiled its first tri-band HSDPA/UMTS PC card, the AirCard 875 from Sierra Wireless. The card is expected to be available beginning in October for $100 with a two-year service contract.
Jeff Bradley, vice president of Cingular’s business markets group, said that the carrier is on track to roll out its HSDPA/UMTS network in most of the top 100 U.S. markets by the end of the year. Recent additions include Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; and Little Rock, Ark. Bradley noted that the carrier will be doing between two and three market additions per week for the remainder of the year.
He added that the operator is seeing “a noticeable and material uplift in 3G category sales in a market post-launch. … You notice it on the sales curve.”
Bradley also said that Cingular will be launching its first HSDPA-equipped smart phone in the fourth quarter.
International connectivity is also a key part of Cingular’s strategy, Bradley said. As businesses choose technology standards, he said, their decisions are being driven in part by what their workers will be able to access from various parts of the world. The key components of a good international data offering, he said, include a substantial footprint, the right devices and customer support dedicated to international care.
