MOSCOW, Russia, Oct. 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The CDMA Development Group (CDG) (www.cdg.org) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Third Generation Telecommunication Networks Operators Association (3G Association), (www.a3g.ru). This agreement calls for the two organizations to collaborate on the promotion of IMT-MC technology, networks and market development in Russia.
"The MoU with the 3G Association underscores the CDG's commitment to promote wireless services in Russia," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "IMT-MC/CDMA2000 is a viable solution for the wide deployment of wireless voice and data services within Russia and Eastern Europe, as evidenced by a number of commercial and planned networks in the region. Through this agreement with the 3G Association, we look forward to combining our leadership efforts to bring advanced services to the region."
"This cooperation will facilitate the exchange of information on 3G in Russia and globally, including market opportunities, deployments and commercial successes," said Andrey Skorodumov, executive director of the 3G Association. "We feel that this partnership with the CDG will enhance our goal of advancing new technologies throughout the Russian Federation."
Under the agreement, the 3G Association and the CDG will collaborate in the areas of technology and marketing to exchange information and jointly organize conferences, seminars, meetings and roundtables on matters related to IMT-MC and the advancement of wireless communications in Russia. The organizations will also collaborate on regulatory issues and develop common proposals for studies, reports and projects.
Today, the two organizations and the International 450 Association (IA 450) are hosting a workshop in Moscow, Russia. The event is titled "IMT- MC Cellular Communications: Development Perspectives in Russia." Sponsors of the event are Ericsson, Lucent, Nortel Networks and Qualcomm.
There are nearly 124 million IMT-MC/CDMA2000 subscribers worldwide, with the number of users growing at 4.6 million per month. Today, 94 carriers in 47 countries on six continents are operating IMT-MC/CDMA2000 networks with an additional 38 networks scheduled for deployment this year. More than 670 IMT-MC/CDMA2000 devices manufactured by 57 vendors are available on the market.
About the CDG
The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA technologies. The more than 100 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 the CDG News Bureau at +1-714-540-1030 or visit the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
About the 3G Association
The Third Generation Telecommunication Networks Operators Association, founded in December 1999, develops the common policy and coordinates activities of its members on issues dealing with the introduction of 3G networks and other prospective technologies in the Russian Federation. The 3G Association is comprised of leading Russian cellular networks operators. The group of associated members consists of regional networks operators, the world's leading vendors, Russian service and content providers, research centers, consulting, IT and other companies operating in telecommunications. The 3G Association issues concepts, reports and recommendations that aim to contribute to the introduction of new technologies by its members. For more information about the 3G Association, contact the office at +7-095-748-3174 or visit the 3G Association Web site at www.a3g.ru or www.3gassociation.ru.