Vodafone Leads the Charge in 3G Wireless Technology

Strategic Insights -

Vodafone, a leading telecommunications provider, has made significant strides in the development of third-generation (3G) wireless technology. Following the final approval for its merger with AirTouch, Vodafone has been working closely with Ericsson, Motorola, and Lucent Technologies to test and refine UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications service) technology. This cutting-edge technology promises faster data speeds and improved voice quality, paving the way for advanced mobile services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vodafone is operating one of the world's first UMTS/3G networks, with trials taking place at its "home campus" in Newbury, UK.
  • The company is working with Ericsson and Motorola to test 3G voice calls using UMTS/3G technology, achieving the first 3G voice call between a Motorola terminal and Ericsson infrastructure in the UK.
  • Vodafone's managing director, Alan Harper, emphasized the importance of addressing interworking challenges early in the 3G development process.
  • Ericsson has established a W-CDMA testbed in Guildford, UK, with live demonstrations of multimedia calls.
  • Motorola is designing W-CDMA subscriber terminal equipment for 3G trials, with developments and testing taking place in Japan.
  • The terminals are being designed to provide 64,000 bits per second (bps) data capabilities for field trials.

Statistics:

  • Vodafone has achieved the first 3G voice call between a Motorola terminal and Ericsson infrastructure in the UK.
  • The company's UMTS/3G technology promises faster data speeds and improved voice quality.
  • The trials are testing CDMA (code division multiple access) architecture.
  • Ericsson's W-CDMA testbed in Guildford, UK, has demonstrated live multimedia calls.
  • Motorola's W-CDMA subscriber terminal equipment is being designed to provide data capabilities of 64,000 bps.

Sources:

  • Steve Gold, Newsbytes (1999 JUL 6)
  • Ericsson web site: http://www.ericsson.se
  • Motorola's Web site: http://www.motorola.com
  • Vodafone's Web site: http://www.vodafone.co.uk
  • Reported by Newsbytes.com: http://www.newsbytes.com