RoW Update

Rogers Wireless begins EDGE trials in VancouverRogers Wireless Inc. has deployed its EDGE network in the Greater Vancouver Area on a trial basis, the first step in the company’s national rollout of third-generation wireless technology. The network will provide higher throughput rates ranging from 100 kbps to 130 kbps with burst speeds up to 200 kbps. Rogers Wireless’ EDGE network deployment coincides with that of AT&T Wireless Inc.’s in the United States. A November 18 Rogers Wireless news release notes that national EDGE deployment will begin next year. David Neale, VP of new product development at Rogers Wireless, told delegates at the recent Canadian Telecommunications Forum that the network is also partially completed in the Toronto area and that the company will have nation-wide EDGE coverage by May of next year. The company said it will cost between $20 million and $25 million to roll out EDGE nationally – comparable to the $30 million Microcell Telecommunications Inc. estimates it will cost to deploy a national EDGE network. In an interview with Report on Wireless earlier this year, Microcell president and CEO André Tremblay said that costs for full 3G or W-CDMA deployment aren’t that much more. “EDGE, we believe, would cost us $30 million. W-CDMA would cost us $50 million. So we may well skip EDGE and go directly to 3G.” Wi-LAN introduces Voice over IP over broadband wireless gearCalgary-based Wi-LAN Inc. has unveiled a new Voice over IP (VoIP) system designed to operate over its broadband wireless access equipment. The wireless VoIP system will be integrated with Wi-LAN’s Ultima3 fixed wireless access product, which can be engineered to provide voice services for up to 7,200 customers per base station. “The wireless VoIP solution provides an extremely competitive economic alternative to traditional wired service for voice traffic, particularly in underserved areas and development countries, and is an excellent solution to allow competitive local exchange carriers to avoid leased line charges to incumbent carriers,” Wi-LAN noted in a November 19 news release. In Motion and Lucent team up for technology integrationVancouver-based In Motion Technology Inc. and Lucent Technologies are working together to develop a new wireless system that will integrate high-speed mobile wireless networks (3G) with Wi-Fi networks. The two companies will collaborate to ensure that In Motion’s onBoard Mobile Gateway, which links Wi-Fi to PCS networks, will be compatible with Lucent’s wide area wireless network architecture. Earlier this year, Report on Wireless reported on In Motion’s advancements in the corporate transportation or limousine markets having inked significant deals with Canada’s and the world’s largest limousine operators (RoW, Sept. 23/03). Lyrtech launches new SDR platform for defence and military applicationsQuebec City-based Lyrtech Inc. has introduced its InfoZone program at the 2003 Software Defined Radio Technical Conference and Product Exposition in Orlando last week. InfoZone is a software-defined radio platform based on the company’s experience in digital signal processing and field programmable gate array systems. In support of the program’s launch, the company will collaborate with security and defence organizations around the world to conduct research and development and integration of tactical command and control systems. CSI Wireless secures three more patentsThe U.S. Patent Office has granted CSI Wireless Inc. three more patents relating to its GPS and wireless technologies. The Calgary-based company now holds nine patents with an additional 12 pending.Patents are for: GPS technology enabling agricultural guidance systems to define a tractor’s desired path while also monitoring its current path; GPS technology allowing GPS receivers to achieve greater accuracy by supplementing the normal signals they receive with additional signals from non-GPS satellites; and Wireless technology enabling analog modems to synchronize their internal clocks more quickly to allow faster and more cost-effective data transmission. Plaintree receives another loan from largest shareholderTarga Group Inc., the largest shareholder in struggling provider of free-space optics equipment Plaintree Systems Inc., has loaned the company an additional $500,000 to fund ongoing operations and to complete a major order expected to close soon. The latest injection of funds is in addition to the approximately $1.2 million Plaintree has received from Targa in the last 12 to 18 months. The company continues to warn investors that it may not be viable going forward. “Plaintree continues to investigate sources of financing. However, if the company is not successful in obtaining the necessary funding and/or if the company does not meet its existing forecast, continuation of the existing business may not be viable,” the company stated in a November 20 news release. Mitec secures additional supply agreementMitec Telecom Inc. has signed a multi-year supply agreement with an Australian customer for the supply of booster amplifiers that will be deployed in satellite earth stations. Deliveries of the products are scheduled to begin within the next six weeks. The agreement is valued at $5 million. “This agreement is of particular importance as it underscores the continuing expansion of our customer base and the diversification of our markets,” company president and CEO Rajiv Pancholy said in a news release. SR Telecom lands 100,0000-line contract in Western EuropeMontreal-based SR Telecom Inc. will deploy its angel broadband wireless system in a pilot project in Western Europe that will provide 100,000 lines in a multi-service broadband fixed wireless access network. The network is being rolled out by one of Europe’s preeminent telecommunications operators. Deployment will begin immediately and is set for completion by the end of January 2004. “The extensive access improvement initiative will bridge the existing telecommunications gap by delivering equivalent-to-urban services to suburban and rural areas throughout the western European region,” a November 19 news release stated. INTERNATIONAL NEWS U.S. court denies block against implementation of wireless LNPThe U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied on November 21 the United States Telecom Association’s (USTA) request to halt the implementation of wireless local number portability (LNP). Wireless LNP went into effect today.The last ditch effort by USTA did, however, result in good news stemming from the decision. The court has decided to hear a lawsuit brought by the telecom association that the new wireless LNP rules favour wireless carriers over wireline operators.

RoW Update

News | 11/24/2003 5:00 am EST

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