Ericsson and AT&T Wireless will build trial UMTS/WCDMA in the US

US largest independently traded wireless carrier AT@T and Erricson announced that they will bring true 3G capabilities to the United States by deploying a UMTS/WCDMA market trial system in the fourth quarter of 2002. For those that don't UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service) is a 3G (Third Generation) packet-based transmission of text, digitized voice, video, and multimedia at data rates up to 2 Mbps. Its developments in based on GSM communication standard, and is supported by major standards bodies and manufacturers.
The new UMTS/WCDMA system will have about 100 cell sites in the Dallas area and will operate on 1900 Mhz. This will be the first system in US.
AT&T Wireless and Ericsson have completed their first live 3G UMTS voice call in the United States at AT&T Wireless' headquarters in Redmond, Wash. Shortly after that they successfully transferred multimedia files simultaneously at packet data speeds exceeding 300 Kbps.
"UMTS/WCDMA is the most prominent wireless telecommunications technology available, and we are proud to be at the forefront of the United States industry in bringing it to market," said Rod Nelson, chief technology officer for AT&T Wireless.
"This demonstration is an opportunity for Ericsson and AT&T Wireless to advance the development of UMTS/WCDMA in the 1900 MHz frequencies," said Greg Slemons, executive vice president network services for AT&T Wireless. "It will demonstrate the advanced services and capabilities of UMTS/WCDMA, and develop best practices for the commercial deployments that will follow."
"It's extremely rewarding to see the fruits of our longstanding partnership and common vision between AT&T Wireless and Ericsson," Ericsson Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Angel Ruiz said. "The fact that WCDMA at 1900 MHz is now entering the American continent confirms that WCDMA will become a major global standard with systems operational in all world markets."

Source:
ericsson.com

US