LAS VEGAS, April 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- CTIA WIRELESS -- The CDMA Development Group (CDG) today congratulated Cricket(r) Communications on deploying the world's first AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) mobile broadband services. Cricket will begin offering unlimited wireless broadband services over its CDMA2000(r) 1xEV-DO AWS network beginning April 8 in Oklahoma City, which will be followed by the rollout of more markets throughout 2008. Cricket customers can utilize the company's broadband services using the tri-band UTStarcom UM100C USB modem, which Cricket will begin selling on April 1 in Tulsa, Okla. By leveraging the larger AWS bandwidth allocation, CDMA operators like Cricket are well positioned to meet the increasing demand for high-performance, advanced broadband services. The AWS frequency band allows wireless operators to offer mobile broadband services, video and messaging to millions of Americans-enhancing productivity, efficiency, mobility and security.
"Cricket's launch of broadband AWS represents yet another industry first for the CDMA community," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "AWS is an ideal frequency band to deliver the high-quality voice, high-speed broadband Internet connectivity and advanced mobile data services that consumers now expect."
To support its AWS services launch, Cricket also recently announced the availability of several AWS-enabled tri-band phones including the Samsung MyShot(tm), Samsung Spex(tm) and the UTStarcom CDM7126, which was the world's first commercially available CDMA2000 AWS mobile phone.
"AWS broadband enables Cricket to deliver feature-rich applications including mobile Internet access. Adding AWS to our portfolio is a natural step for us to augment our current unlimited services, including unlimited text, instant and picture messaging," said Jim Seines, Vice President, Investor Relations and Acting Treasurer for Cricket Communications.
More information on CDMA is available at www.cdg.org.
About CDMA2000
CDMA2000 is the most widely deployed 3G technology, with 255 operators in 99 countries, including 91 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO systems, serving more than 418 million subscribers. Counting 2G cdmaOne(tm) subscribers, there are more than 431 million CDMA users worldwide. CDMA2000 has become the technology of choice for developed and emerging market operators, and is deployable in the 450, 700, 800, 1700, 1900, AWS and 2100 MHz bands. More than 1,950 CDMA2000 devices from over 110 suppliers have been introduced to the market, including more than 500 1xEV-DO and 48 Rev. A devices. More information on CDMA2000 is available on the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
About CDG
The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA2000 technologies. The more than 130 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 CDMA2000 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 CDMA2000-related matters. For more information about the CDG, contact the CDG News Bureau at +1-714-540-1030, or visit the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
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cdmaOne is a registered trademark of the CDMA Development Group. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA-USA). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.