Bell Atlantic Mobile and Lucent Technologies Partner for 3G Wireless Services

Strategic Insights -

Bell Atlantic Mobile has announced the phased introduction of new high-speed wireless data capabilities over its existing cdmaOne network in 1999, based on cdma2000 third-generation (3G) enhancements provided by Lucent Technologies. This next-generation wireless service will allow for near-landline voice clarity and a "soft handoff" of mobile calls, making it virtually unnoticeable compared to analog and other digital cellular technologies. The partnership will enable Bell Atlantic Mobile to offer advanced services such as increased data-carrying capacity, backward compatibility with existing cdmaOne network, and co-existence with 2G and 3G network elements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bell Atlantic Mobile will begin phased introduction of new high-speed wireless data capabilities over its existing cdmaOne network in 1999, using cdma2000 third-generation (3G) enhancements provided by Lucent Technologies.
  • The partnership will enable Bell Atlantic Mobile to offer advanced services such as near-landline voice clarity, increased data-carrying capacity, and backward compatibility with existing cdmaOne network.
  • The cdma2000 technology takes advantage of the commercially-successfully cdmaOne digital format and combines radio spectrum to create a larger "pipe" for voice and data transmissions.
  • The partnership will allow Bell Atlantic Mobile to co-exist with 2G and 3G network elements, ensuring seamless transition between current and new services.
  • The advanced services can be provided in current spectrum, with minimal upgrades to the Lucent-supplied base stations.
  • Bell Atlantic Mobile will be able to geographically segment the market for these data services and maximize returns on its CDMA investment.
  • The technology enhancement will be performed with minimal upgrades to the Lucent-supplied base stations, allowing for quick and cost-effective deployment of 3G services.
  • Bell Atlantic Mobile and Lucent Technologies have collaborated in the past, with Bell Labs developers involved in testing the technology enhancement.
  • Bell Atlantic Mobile was named leader in overall customer satisfaction among wireless users, according to the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates 1998 U.S. Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study (sm).

Statistics:

  • Bell Atlantic Mobile operates one of the world's most geographically expansive cdmaOne networks, covering 116,000 square miles.
  • The company has 5.9 million customers and more than 7,500 employees from Maine to Georgia and in the Southwest.
  • The cdma2000 technology will allow for simultaneous service of current customers and support mobile data rates nearly eight times faster than today's modems.
  • The advanced services can be provided in current spectrum, with a cost-effective deployment of 3G services.
  • The technology enhancement will be performed with minimal upgrades to the Lucent-supplied base stations, allowing for quick and cost-effective deployment of 3G services.

Sources:

  • Bell Atlantic Mobile, "Bell Atlantic Mobile and Lucent Technologies Partner for 3G Wireless Services" (press release, Nov. 17)
  • Lucent Technologies, "Lucent Technologies Supplies Mobile and Fixed Wireless Communications Systems" (web site, http://www.lucent.com)
  • J.D. Power and Associates, "1998 U.S. Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study (sm)"