RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, April 18, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The CDMA Development Group (CDG) (www.cdg.org) announced today that the CDG and the International 450 Association (IA 450) (www.ia450.org) signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) to create opportunities for cooperation in advancing CDMA2000(r) technologies at 450 MHz globally, and to work together on technology, regulatory and marketing activities. The signing ceremony took place at the CDMA450 Workshop, an event jointly organized by the CDG and IA 450, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"The CDG is committed to expanding 3G CDMA across the globe, and this agreement with IA 450 underscores our efforts with regards to CDMA2000 at 450 MHz (CDMA450)," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "Working together, our organizations can combine knowledge and experience to grow opportunities for CDMA450 worldwide. CDMA450 offers a very cost-effective and flexible solution for bringing 3G services to millions of people around the world, including in Latin America."
"CDMA2000 is the only 3G technology available today for operators who have spectrum at 450 MHz. CDMA450 addresses the unique needs of two important markets that have been largely excluded from the wireless explosion that has taken place in developed countries: a large base of NMT-450 analog operators, and populations living in remote areas," said Colin Chandler, Vice Chair of the IA 450. "We look forward to collaborating with the CDG on the development of the technology to meet the ever-changing needs of the communications market."
The MoU focuses on: incorporating the unique technology requirements for 450 MHz carriers into CDG-led standards; promoting the development of CDMA2000 equipment and devices for the 450 MHz market; developing and promoting inter-standard roaming solutions between 3G and 2G technologies; and promoting regulatory policies that facilitate the deployment and growth of CDMA2000 technologies at 450 MHz.
In addition, the agreement aims to increase awareness of opportunities with CDMA450 to carriers, regulators, governments and the general public through the organization of joint workshops and press events.
About IA 450
IA 450 is the new name for the NMT Association, which was formed 4 years ago to promote the use of analog and digital technologies in the 400 to 500 MHz band. Currently, IA 450 has 31 members. IA 450 represents the interests of mobile operators using the 450 MHz band, including NMT analog mobile systems and suppliers of NMT analog equipment and/or equipment for the digital upgrade of 450 MHz systems.
The International 450 Association represents over 70 operators, including operators in Scandinavia and Central and Eastern Europe and 63 Russian NMT operators (through their industry organization, SOTEL), all of which operate in the 450 to 470 MHz frequency band.
More information about the IA 450 can be found on the IA 450 web site at www.ia450.org.
About 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.
Note to editors: CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA-USA).