Bellcore and NEC Partner to Develop Public Wireless Communications System (PACS)

Strategic Insights -

Bellcore and NEC America have announced a strategic partnership to develop a new public wireless communications system, known as PACS (Personal Access Communications System). The system is designed to provide high-quality, wireless telephone service to customers at a fraction of the cost of traditional cellular service. The PACS system will utilize new PCS (Personal Communications Services) radio spectrum and will be ideal for high-density user applications, such as busy neighborhoods and local sales teams.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PACS system will provide users with the ability to make and receive calls, as well as access data services, using a wireless handset.
  • The system will be designed to support high-data rates, including ISDN, and will provide wireline-quality service.
  • The PACS system will be developed by Bellcore, with NEC providing the radio and networking equipment.
  • The system will be ideal for high-density user applications, such as busy neighborhoods and local sales teams.
  • The PACS system will have the advantage of accessing Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) capabilities and other software features with greater flexibility than cellular systems.
  • The system will combine the best qualities of wireline and cellular networks, providing efficient, quality service at a low cost.
  • Tsippora Dingott, assistant vice president-market manager for Wireless Communications at Bellcore, stated that the PACS solution gives the service provider the power to offer wireline-like quality and pricing, with mobility.
  • Jim Carpenter, senior vice president of Technology at NEC America, said that the potential market for this system is substantial, particularly for high-density user applications.
  • The PACS standard is based on Wireless Access Communications Systems (WACS), developed by Bellcore, and Japan's PHS technologies.

Statistics:

  • The PACS system will have 9"x11"x3" microcell units, known as Radio Ports, which will attached to existing utility poles or buildings around the community.
  • Each Radio Port Controller (RPC) will be capable of connecting 160 Radio Ports, expandable to 320 Radio Ports as demand increases.
  • The system will support operations such as network configuration and maintenance, allowing the network owner to manage the entire radio network easily.

Sources:

  • NEC America Inc.
  • Bellcore
  • Hill & Knowlton Inc.
  • New York Times (unspecified date, but mentioned as "today")