CDMA2000 in 450 MHz band opens new market opportunities

May 7, 2004

The CDMA Development Group (CDG) reported that across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, there are seven commercial CDMA2000 networks at 450 MHz, five more will launch in 2004 and three trials are taking place. Eight NMT-450 operators have migrated to CDMA2000 and a number of countries, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Pakistan are deploying or evaluating the technology to advance their universal service goals. Many CDMA infrastructure providers and handset vendors offer CDMA450 products.

"There is a growing interest in CDMA450 as operators and regulators around the world recognize the unique benefits of the technology," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "CDMA450 addresses the unique needs of two important markets that have been largely excluded from the vast wireless explosion that has taken place in developed countries: a large base of NMT-450 operators and vast populations living in remote areas. CDMA450 offers a very cost-effective and flexible solution to bring 3G services to millions of people."

CDMA450 is based on CDMA2000 IMT-2000 standards and is "down banded" to the 400-500 MHz frequency range. Currently, CDMA2000 1X and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO are commercially available and are being deployed in the 450 MHz frequency band, and CDMA2000 1xEV-DV is being developed. The advantages of the technology derive from the spectral efficiency and high-speed data capabilities of CDMA2000 and the expanded coverage afforded by a lower frequency band. CDMA450 offers all of the advanced services supported by 3G technologies. In addition to traditional mobile services, such as voice and short messaging, CDMA450 enables a wide range of new services for consumers and enterprise users, including broadband Internet access, high-quality music, image and video downloads, push-to-talk, and access to corporate intranets.

The favorable propagation at lower frequency bands (450 MHz) translates to significantly lower deployment and operating costs. CDMA2000 at 450 MHz provides a larger cell size when compared to other frequency bands, and thus requires fewer cell sites and significantly lower capital investment and operational expenses to service vast coverage areas.

Leading equipment manufacturers, including Airvana, Ericsson, Huawei, Lucent Technologies, Nortel Networks, UTStarcomm, and ZTE offer CDMA20001X and CDMA2000 1X EV-DO solutions for the 450 MHz band. A broad range of handsets and data cards are available from Axesstel, Compal, Giga Telecom, GTRAN Wireless, Pantech, Synertek, Curitel, Hyundai Syscom, Topex, Huawei, and ZTE.

The CDG and International 450 Association (IA 450) organized the International CDMA450 Conference in Shenzhen, China, April 21-22. The conference, which was hosted by Huawei, had nearly 250 attendees from around the world, and discussed the benefits of CDMA450, including operator case studies, services available on CDMA450 networks, and handset availability and developments.

The CDG and IA 450 are partnering again in June with 3GPP2 to present a one-day seminar titled "CDMA450 Evolution Seminar: Technology, Services and Standards." This event will focus on the technical and standards developments happening for CDMA450 technology.