LONDON-U.K.-based wireless carrier MmO2 has successfully completed a series of live wireless calls using High Speed Downlink Packet Access technology with wireless supplier Nortel Networks Ltd. MmO2 said it plans to deploy Nortel’s HSDPA solution across portions of its pan-European wireless network.
Nortel said MmO2 recently completed live wireless test calls demonstrating the capability to offer DVD-quality film and video, high-resolution interactive gaming, multimedia music tracks, “push-to-watch” services and access to large e-mail attachments-all at speeds three times faster than current commercial third-generation networks.
The test calls were completed as a first phase of planned Nortel deployments across portions of O2’s European UMTS network. The deployments are subject to execution of definitive binding agreements.
“We are looking forward to deploying this broadband technology in Europe and to delivering a newer and better experience to our business and consumer customers,” said Dave Williams, group chief technology officer for MmO2. “Nortel is proving to us their aggressive schedule for delivering HSDPA, and this makes them a very attractive ally for deployments across our pan-European footprint.”
Commercial field trials of the Nortel HSDPA solution will begin in the second quarter of 2005 and are expected to include an integrated, commercial data card product.
Cingular Wireless L.L.C also has plans to roll out HSDPA technology in the United States.
