COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CDMA Development Group (CDG) today congratulates Starcomms Plc. (www.starcomms.com) of Nigeria for surpassing the two million subscriber mark. Starcomms is one of the fastest-growing operators in Africa, adding one million new CDMA2000(r) subscribers in just seven months, and is a model of how 3G CDMA services are rapidly expanding in the African continent and other emerging markets.
"Starcomms reaching two million subscribers in such a short amount of time is an extraordinary achievement," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "Starcomms' success is a testimony to CDMA2000's suitability for developing markets, where users previously underserved by communications technology now have access to the very best of mobile telephony, broadband Internet access and rich multimedia services provided by the Starcomms Rev. A Network."
CDMA2000 enables operators to provide cost-effective voice services and broadband access to the Internet, along with a broad range of value-added data services for consumers, government, education and enterprise users in both urban areas and rural areas. The technology's superior spectral efficiency and the availability of low-cost handsets and terminals have enabled CDMA2000 to become the technology of choice for delivering 3G services in emerging markets such as Nigeria.
"Starcomms is delighted with the achievement of the 2 million subscriber milestone in such a short period of time. Our innovative network platform continues to provide Nigerians with the most advanced mobile, fixed wireless and broadband services with cost effective pricing and superior network quality," said Maher Qubain, CEO of Starcomms. "Our fast growing subscriber base have wider access to the latest wireless technology and are quickly transforming their daily lives, enhancing their productivity and improving their economic status by using the vast selection of 3G services that we offer nationwide," Qubain added.
More information on CDMA is available at www.cdg.org.
About CDMA2000
CDMA2000 is the most widely deployed 3G technology, with 276 operators in 102 countries and territories serving more than 450 million subscribers. Counting 2G cdmaOne(tm) subscribers, there are more than 463 million CDMA users worldwide. CDMA2000 has become the technology of choice for developed and emerging market operators, and is deployable in the 450, 700, 800, 1700, 1900, AWS and 2100 MHz bands. More than 2,040 CDMA2000 devices from over 110 suppliers have been introduced to the market, including more than 527 Rel. 0 and 90 Rev. A devices on 105 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rel. 0 and 44 Rev. A systems. More information on CDMA2000 is available on the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
About CDG
The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA2000 technologies. The more than 140 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 CDMA2000 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 CDMA2000-related matters. For more information about the CDG, contact the CDG News Bureau at +1-949-428-8221, or visit the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
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Note to editors
cdmaOne is a registered trademark of the CDMA Development Group. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA-USA). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.