America's 3rd Generation (3g) Wirless Race 10/2001

America's Leaders in 3G Equipment Manufacturing

Major equipment vendors are making mobile devices with both CDMA 2000 and W-CDMA in mind, as well as the interim steps (GPRS, EDGE) needed to get there. An equipment manufacturer that expects to fight for market share among all U.S. markets needs to consider all these angles when developing a product line for 3G. Some companies are beginning to align themselves with certain platforms through strategic partnerships. Motorola, Lucent, Nortel, Samsung, and Qualcomm have been developing equipment for U.S. CDMA 2000 beta rollouts. While at the same time Ericsson has partnered with Japan Telecom to test the worlds first voice over IP network using W-CDMA. Lets take a closer look at the 3G plans of three of America's leading mobile equipment manufacturers (see figure 5.1).

Nokia:
This company's 3G implementation solution is based on an all IP (Internet Protocol) network consisting of an IP radio access network (IP-RAN) and IP Mobility Core network. These networks can support the GSM and W-CDMA platforms. The IP Mobile Core network utilizes IPv6, which provides an easy interface for the technologies of multiple vendors. Nokia has already announced they will select a service provider to provide "Club Nokia" which will deliver music, messaging, and other services wirelessly to Nokia handsets.

Ericcson:

In addition to partnering with a Japanese company for intense testing of a W-CDMA network, Ericcson has been strangely involved in the development of a CDMA 2000 network. They recently announced the completion of a 3G CDMA 2000 Mobile Switching Center (MSC) that is set to be integrated into their wireless network.

Motorola:
Motorola's Aspira technology is based on an all IP core network. Through a partnership with Cisco systems, this network devises separate paths for migration from CDMA and GSM platforms. They recently completed tests that delivered live video over their 3G product.

Motorola recently released their Timepoint 7382i GPRS enabled handheld to North America. The phone, which costs $199.99 for AT&T Wireless customers, features voice activation, a voice note recorder, a WAP-enabled microbrowser, and data port for external connectivity. AT&T and Motorola are partnering to take one of the first steps towards delivering 2.5G technology to mainstream America.

Figure 5.1

Conclusion
3rd generation wireless will eventually deliver new and exciting services to mobile devices for both business and personal use. However, before this new technology becomes a reality to consumers, there is a lot of development that needs to be accomplished on the part of service providers and equipment manufacturers. Wireless service providers must take the necessary steps to upgrade their networks for 3G. Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, and AT&T Wireless are leading the development of 3G networks in the United States. Wireless providers are adopting two different 3G standards: W-CDMA and CDMA 2000. Meanwhile Nokia, Ericsson, and Motorola are the current leaders in developing the next generation of 3G mobile devices. These companies have positioned themselves on the forefront of 3G development, and their efforts will soon help to make 3G service a reality for customers in the Unites States.

Sources
Mbusiness, September 2001 "2.5 G's First Foray" Jim Rendon pg. 21
Mbusiness, November 2001 "Playing the 3G Name Game" Jim Rendon pg. 38
Upside, March 2001 "High Wireless Act" James Judd pg. 100
Upside, March 2001 "No Strings Attached" Jerry Barell pg. 102
Upside, March 2001 "The Next Big Catch" Daryl Carr pg. 112
Upside, March 2001 "A New Set of Tricks" Kendra Wall pg. 119
Upside, March 2001 "Swinging Around Wireless Networks" pg. 126
Upside, March 2001 "Dropping Into the 3G Core" Sarah Schmelling pg. 134

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