COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The CDMA Development Group (CDG) today applauded the decision made by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) approving the identification of the 450-470 MHz and 698-862 MHz frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) services during the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-2007). The CDG expects the decision to further stimulate the growth and deployment of CDMA2000(r) systems in the 450 MHz band (CDMA450(tm)) and 700 MHz band around the globe.
"The CDG is pleased that the ITU approved the inclusion of the 450 MHz and 700 MHz bands in the frequency allocations identified for IMT services," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "Because of their excellent propagation characteristics, these bands are able to deliver 3G services most affordably to urban and rural communities alike. The ITU's endorsement of both of these valuable spectral resources will accelerate universal access to state-of-the-art 3G telecommunications in those regions that need it the most."
CDMA is the most mature and widespread solution for economically providing mobile and fixed telecommunications services to both densely populated urban centers, and underserved rural markets using the 450 MHz band. It delivers carrier-grade telephony, broadband Internet, multimedia access, large coverage areas, increased voice capacity (4x more than most 2G technologies), high-speed broadband data (10x more than most 2G technologies) and centralized and distributed IP-based core networks. CDMA also supports a broad selection of the advanced services enabled by CDMA2000, including VoIP, push-to-talk, video telephony, mobile broadband and DSL replacement, first-responder and emergency services, broadcast and multicasting, the sharing of user generated multimedia content, location-based services, distance learning and telemedicine.
Already, 107 operators in 60 countries have decided to deploy CDMA450 of which 81 operators in 45 countries around the world currently offer CDMA450 services to more than 15 million people. There are more than 90 CDMA450 devices commercially available today from 19 suppliers.
In addition to approving the identification of the 450 MHz band, WRC-07 supported the identification of the UHF band (698-862 MHz) for IMT services. The specific identifications vary depending on regions and national plans. The identification of the UHF band for IMT services is a very important step towards further expanding access to advanced telephony and mobile broadband services and improving the overall user experience. IMT technologies, such as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, will enable increased global connectivity and stimulate economic growth for years to come. Consequently, as analog television services switch to digital, a significant number of emerging countries, particularly in Africa, will be able to economically deploy the latest digital telecommunications services available and start to benefit from the digital dividend.
The ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. WRC-07 convened from October 22 to November 16, 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland. Its agenda included mobile communications and the identification of spectrum for IMT, among other items.
More information on 3G CDMA is available at www.cdg.org.
About CDMA2000
CDMA2000 is the most widely deployed 3G technology, with 241 operators in 99 countries, including 80 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO systems, serving more than 400 million subscribers. Counting 2G cdmaOne(tm) subscribers, there are more than 420 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 and 2100 MHz bands. More than 1,800 CDMA2000 devices from over 92 suppliers have been introduced to the market, including more than 483 1xEV-DO and 40 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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Note to editors
cdmaOne is a registered trademark of the CDMA Development Group. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA-USA). CDMA450 is a registered trademark of TIA-USA. UMB and Ultra Mobile Broadband are registered trademarks of the CDMA Development Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.