The future's so bright...: CDMA supporters eager for evolution

It seems somewhat absurd at times that a technology just finding its commercial legs in its current format is already trying to fast-forward into the next generation.

In wireless, though, time is of the essence, and the IS-95 code division multiple access camp knows that lesson well. With billions of dollars of equipment of various technological persuasions already in place worldwide, few wireless network operators are eager to rip out their investments and start anew so they can provide more advanced services to their customers.

Knowing that, CDMA backers are lobbying hard to pave an IS-95 road for technological evolution of all systems, not just their own.

At the CDMA North American Regional Congress, a representative from AirTouch Communications put forth a "family of systems" concept under which a common radio interface would interconnect both GSM and CDMA core networks (see figure). That structure, which would require dual-mode or multimode handsets and an interworking function between IS-41 CDMA networks and MAP-based GSM networks, would protect carriers' investment and ensure global interconnectivity, said Craig Farrill, vice president of strategic technology at AirTouch.

"There is a very good chance for global convergence around a wideband technology," Farrill said.

If it all comes to pass, the result will be a wideband wireless future where mobility systems deliver interactive multimedia content.

Mobile voice service is becoming so commonplace that Richard Lowe, assistant vice president and general manager of CDMA systems for Northern Telecom, referred to it as "POW-plain old wireless," a play on POTS, the terminology used to describe landline voice service. Next generation platforms, in contrast, could be optimized to carry things such as information, business and entertainment services. How that takes shape will depend on what network operators want, which in turn depends on customer demand, Lowe said.

"We're working with operators to understand applications and where the market is going," he said. "What we're looking for is feedback from the customers."

Lowe predicted that applications such as medical imaging, database access, enhanced messaging, Internet/intranet access and even video eventually will be carried over evolved CDMA networks. The Internet's popularity dictates that it open a wireless window, he said.

"If you cut people off in terms of wireless Internet, you cut off a large customer base," Lowe said.