Qualcomm cdmaOne Wireless Local Loop System Testing Commences In Bahia, Brazil
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that Telebahia will begin subscriber testing of Qualcomm's cdmaOne wireless local loop (WLL) system in Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. Telebahia, an operator in the Bahia region, has installed a 1900 MHz Qualcomm Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system for trial purposes.
The trial program is sponsored by Telebras, the national cellular operator, and is divided into two phases. The first phase included a rigorous series of laboratory tests of cdmaOne (IS-95 CDMA) equipment functionality and performance. The second phase will commence on October 15, 1997. This phase of the trial will consist of a series of tests to be conducted by approximately 150 users in the Salvador metropolitan area. Over the next 45 days, these users will have Qualcomm wireless local loop phones installed in their homes for evaluation and testing. The end users will participate in the process of evaluating the vendors who intend to supply WLL systems to the Brazilian market. Qualcomm's participation in this test program may lead to the certification of the Company's cdmaOne wireless local loop products for commercial use in Brazil.
"Each subscriber will evaluate the wireless local loop service based on a series of questions and their feedback and reactions will be continuously documented and monitored over the course of this phase of the trial," said Carlos Duprat, director of engineering for Qualcomm do Brasil.
"These tests represent an important opportunity for Qualcomm to demonstrate the merits of cdmaOne technology in a wireless local loop application to operators in Brazil. CDMA wireless local loop systems offer significant advantages over other technologies, including a shorter implementation period, faster activation, considerable deployment cost reduction, and over the course of time, significant savings in the maintenance and expansion of networks," said Marco Aurelio Rodrigues, president of Qualcomm do Brasil. "This program also gives Qualcomm an opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility of our wireless local loop solution to meet diverse operator needs."
The wireless local loop system being tested in Bahia is supplied by Qualcomm, and is based on CDMA, a digital wireless technology developed and patented by Qualcomm. Qualcomm's cdmaOne systems transmit voice and data at levels of quality and functionality similar to wireline systems, along with the value added services of Internet access, data and fax. Qualcomm's system architecture enables rapid deployment of high capacity networks in any terrain, and systems that can be deployed in the cellular (800 MHz) or Personal Communication Services (PCS) (1900 MHz) bandwidths. PCS operators are scheduled to begin providing service in Brazil within the next two years.
Headquartered in San Diego, Qualcomm develops, manufactures, markets, licenses and operates advanced communications systems and products based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies. The Company's primary product areas are the OmniTRACS® system (a geostationary satellite-based, mobile communications system providing two-way data and position reporting services), CDMA wireless communications systems and products and, in conjunction with others, the development of the Globalstar™ low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications system. Other Company products include the Eudora Pro™ electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications equipment and systems for government and commercial customers worldwide. For more information on Qualcomm products and technologies, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including timely product development and commercial implementation of the Company's technology, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 1996 and most recent Form 10-Qs.
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