COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The CDMA Development Group (CDG) (www.cdg.org) notes with regret the announcement of the Ministry of Communications to issue licenses exclusively for GSM mobile services in Iraq, rather than introducing multiple technologies with the issuance of a license for the provision of CDMA2000(r) services. The decision by the Ministry and the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) to support only a second-generation (2G) mobile technology will delay the implementation of the most efficient technology to deliver affordable high-quality services in Iraq.
"CDMA2000 is the most advanced technology available today allowing operators to deploy voice and advanced data-services rapidly and cost-effectively," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "The Ministry's decision to deny Iraq immediate access to next generation mobile technologies will deprive international contractors and investors, and, most importantly, the Iraqi people of useful tools and services that would aid in the reconstruction effort."
The CDG believes that Iraq should support a competitive market populated by multiple technologies in order to provide consumers with the best possible services. The decision to limit the choices of Iraqi citizens and visitors to a single technology will serve to stifle competition-driven innovation in the development of mobile services.
In the absence of awarding a license to a CDMA consortium, the CDG urges the U.S. Government, the CPA and Ministry of Communications to permit the rapid deployment of CDMA2000 systems for alternative uses, such as Wireless Local Loop (WLL) services with full mobility. The deployment of such systems will provide Iraqis, as well as the international community supporting reconstruction efforts, with a next-generation network capable of supporting high-quality affordable voice services along with high-speed data applications.
Despite the pro-GSM bias of the original draft Iraqi mobile policy, CDMA consortia presented strong proposals for the deployment of CDMA2000 services and the CDG encourages the Ministry, the U.S. Government and the CPA to permit the deployment of a nationwide CDMA2000 mobile network in the near future.
More information on CDMA2000 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 110 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 Valerie Christopherson of the CDG News Bureau at +1-714-540-1030, ext. 14, e-mail vchristopherson@bockpr.com, 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).