RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, April 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The CDMA Development Group (CDG) (www.cdg.org) reported today that CDMA2000(R) continues to expand rapidly in Latin America and the Caribbean, spurring growth for operators and bringing advanced services to the region. There are 31 CDMA2000 operators serving nearly 9 million subscribers in 18 countries.
"CDMA2000 was the first 3G technology deployed in Latin America and has become the foremost platform for growth and innovation in the region," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "CDMA2000 will continue to lead in the transition to next-generation services, providing operators with significant competitive advantages over other technologies."
CDMA2000 was first deployed in Latin America by VIVO (Brazil) in December 2002. With 36 commercial systems today, Latin America is the leading region in the number of CDMA2000 deployments worldwide. CDMA2000 operators are now introducing 1xEV-DO, the most advanced wireless data technology available; there are 6 commercial 1xEV-DO networks and 6 more are in deployment. Operators and consumers in Latin America can choose from more than 320 CDMA2000 handsets for 800 MHz and 1900 MHz, with photo and video cameras, web browsing, MMS and GPS capabilities.
Capitalizing on the increased capacity and lower cost of delivery with CDMA2000, operators have been able to expand into new, previously underserved markets to offer affordable voice services and broadband Internet access. The high-speed data capabilities of CDMA2000 have allowed carriers to differentiate their service offerings through advanced applications, video downloading, entertainment and broadband Internet access, which drive gross adds and increase revenues.
With deployments of CDMA2000, the growth of CDMA has accelerated in Latin America and the Caribbean; there were more than 42 million CDMA users in December 2004, a 32% increase from 2003, and the base is expected to surpass 50 million by 3Q 2005. There are 40 CDMA operators in 21 countries region-wide, and nearly 1 in 4 subscribers use CDMA technologies. CDMA will continue to expand in the region, fueled by the demand for CDMA2000 services.
The 2005 CDMA Latin American Regional Conference, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, April 18-20, will explore the benefits and future of CDMA2000 in the Latin America and the Caribbean. More information on the conference is available at www.networkeventos.com.br/cdma_conference. Information on CDMA2000 and CDMA in Latin America is available on the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
About the CDG
The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA technologies. The more than 100 member companies of the CDG include many of the world's largest wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers. The primary activities of the CDG include development of CDMA features and services, public relations, education and seminars, regulatory affairs and international support. Currently, there are more than 500 individuals working within various CDG subcommittees on CDMA-related matters. For more information about the CDG, contact the CDG News Bureau at 714-540-1030 or visit the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
Note to editors: cdmaOne is a trademark of the CDG. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA-USA).