First there was dial-up Internet. But that was too slow. Then DSL and Cable Internet service came on the scene. But with them, you could only use the service if you were at home, connected to your modem. Along came WiFi, which at least let you move around the house and remain connected (or use any one of the multitude of WiFi hotspots available today). But with WiFi, you still need an Internet subscription.
So, EV-DO was born, which works the same way your cell phone does. Where ever you get EV-DO cellular reception, you get Internet connectivity. EV-DO is broadband service that is fully mobile — you are the hotspot. It provides fast internet access — in a car, on a train, with clients, and anywhere else you can open your laptop.
Now, Nortel and Sierra Wireless have achieved a significant technology milestone needed to power wireless services such as push-to-talk, push-to-video, VoIP, and interactive gaming at much faster speeds than what is currently available.
The two companies achieved the industry’s first over the air test calls using EV-DO Revision A wireless technology and pre-commercial wireless data devices. The successful tests confirm the commercial viability of EV-DO Revision A for powering next-generation broadband wireless services.
Operators will be able to prioritize different users and applications, enabling tiered services and multiple pricing options. Operators also can make additional security enhancements by using authentication mechanisms that can identify users and give specific access rights based on the user’s profile.
EV-DO Revision A technology will offer significant performance improvements to both the uplink and the downlink speeds compared to current EV-DO (Release 0) networks. EV-DO Revision A enables peak data download rates of up to 3.1 Mbps and upload rates up to 1.8 Mbps.
“The ability for operators to deliver new, revenue-generating services with increased network intelligence enabled by EV-DO Revision A will provide a powerful competitive advantage,” said Doug Wolff, vice president and general manager, CDMA, Nortel (News - Alert). “The successful tests are the latest step in Nortel’s aggressive EV-DO strategy to deliver cost-effective, high-bandwidth capabilities for wireless operations.”
The companies completed over the air tests using Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 wide area wireless network cards, Sierra Wireless MC5725 PCI Express Mini Card embedded modules, and EV-DO Revision A equipment from Nortel.
“Joint interoperability testing, particularly with new network technologies, like EV-DO Revision A, enables wireless operators to assess the quality and reliability of new technologies,” said Jim Kirkpatrick, chief technology officer for Sierra Wireless. “We are pleased to collaborate with Nortel to lead the market in enabling advanced EV-DO Revision A wireless solutions for our customers.”
Nortel has provided EV-DO equipment to 18 of the 29 operators worldwide including Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless and Sprint (News - Alert) in the United States, VIVO in Brazil, Pelephone in Israel and Eurotel in the Czech Republic.
“Given the tremendous success and momentum of 1xEV-DO, Nortel has embarked on an aggressive program to deliver 1xEV-DO Rev A,” said Richard Lowe, President, Mobility and Converged Core Networks at Nortel. “Nortel’s DO Rev A technology will allow operators to serve more customers on the same spectrum while delivering VoIP and other advanced multimedia services that enhance the end user’s experience and increase subscriber loyalty.”
Sierra says the AirCard 595 and MC5725 Mini Card the card is scheduled for commercial shipment in Q3. CDMA carriers could begin rolling out data upgrades before end of the year. The two products are Sierra’s first for EV-DO Revision A networks. Both are fully compatible with current EV-DO and CDMA 1X networks, for use in areas where an EV-DO Revision A network is not available.
Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.
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