[ALLTEL to purchase to include Motorola's GTSS's 3G-ready SC(TM) 4812 base stations for deployment in the Phoenix area later next year.]

Arlington Heights, Ill. -- For 3G Commercial Network in Phoenix

ALLTEL (NYSE:AT) has awarded Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) a contract for third generation (3G) Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 2000 1x standards-based hardware and software, which is scheduled for installation in Phoenix in 2001. Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed. It is the sixth 3G announcement made by Motorola since mid-October, and the second involving ALLTEL.

Commercial launch of the 1x system in Phoenix is scheduled for next year. This network upgrade will provide ALLTEL with the enhanced capacity needed for future growth and wireless services.

"Motorola's roadmap to 3G allows us smooth migration with our networks, which in turn will allow us to provide our customers the types of wireless services and applications that they will be wanting next year and beyond," said Chris Smith, executive vice president of Little Rock, Ark.-based ALLTEL's Network Services Division.

"ALLTEL, and other operators, see the wireless future as an opportunity to provide high-speed packet data to the mobile user," said Fred Wright, senior vice president and general manager of the North America Region for Motorola's Telecom Carrier Solutions Group. "Motorola, through its strategic alliances, is developing a common, Internet protocol (IP)-based network architecture designed to integrate voice, data and multimedia communications," said Wright.

Motorola's Aspira&153; architecture solution combines voice, data and multimedia into one broadband, IP-based network that encompasses access networks, applications, services and end-point devices to enable Internet services over wireless networks, voice over IP and global, feature-rich mobile services.

On Oct. 26, ALLTEL and Motorola announced the installation of a 3G 1x network in ALLTEL's New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., markets. Initial installation of the network has been completed and the final upgrade to 3G 1x is scheduled for 2001.

Motorola has begun 1x field trials, and anticipates conclusion of the trials in the first quarter of 2001. Commercial software and hardware to allow customer implementation of 1x is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2001. Motorola will manufacture 1x compatible handsets and a family of total communications solutions to enhance each CDMA carrier's value proposition in the highly competitive wireless market.

The Motorola 1x solution can be implemented over an existing CDMA network with software and simple card upgrades at the cell sites plus the addition of internet access equipment, helping to minimize the operators capital investment to implement high speed wireless packet data service. Many of Motorola's CDMA infrastructure systems are 3G-ready, requiring only a software load and card additions. Offering controlled evolution to 3G mobile communications, the Motorola 1x data solution enables operators to take advantage of many new revenue opportunities.

More...

Back to Headlines...