Merging networks on parallel paths: U S West adds wireless to wireline base

U S West Communications entered the wireless market last week with an offering that closely matches the way personal communication services were originally envisioned.

Using switching software and off-switch intelligent network components, the Bell company has integrated its landline network with the new 1.9 GHz code division multiple access system of its wireless affiliate, U S West Wireless. The result is Access2 Advanced PCS service, which acts as a wireless mobility extension to fixed service on U S West's landline network.

The wireless and wireline networks operate independently and use separate switches, but the wireline database has been linked with the home location register on the wireless side, said Peter Manetti, vice president and general manager of U S West Wireless. When a customer activates a wireless handset, an intelligent network trigger switches service over to the wireless network.

"That notifies the wireline network that you would prefer to take your calls at the wireless location," Manetti said.

Customers with integrated service can use a single phone number--the existing landline number in the case of current U S West customers--and one voice mailbox. In addition, switches on both sides are configured to allow the linked networks to offer parallel features such as call waiting and three-way calling.

"We've modified the features operation to have this transparent look and feel," said Brian Bolliger, PCS offer engineering manager at Lucent Technologies, which provides both wireless and wireline network infrastructure to U S West.

U S West's strategy should help set it apart from the multiple wireless carriers that have already entered its markets. Also, the carrier can use digital wireless to get high-quality service to some of the remote mountainous regions in its territory at a substantially lower cost. The company plans to pursue fixed wireless opportunities, Manetti said.

"We are simply adding wireless access to all of our current products and services," he said.