Wireless Carriers Test 3G Technology

Sprint PCS, Samsung, Qualcomm and 3Com completed a voice and data field trial using 3G CDMA technology in October. The trial tested the possibility of integrating voice and data into one cell at the same radio frequency. With 35 simultaneous voice calls, data rates reached 144 kbps. Splitting the voice and data transmissions at the base station controller increased data rates and voice capacity, test participants said. The trial was conducted on Sprint PCS’ network. Samsung built the test network using its 3G Base Station Systems V.4. The system includes three fully integrated ATM base stations, a base station controller, base station management and a mobile switching center. Samsung and Qualcomm tested their 3G 1x handsets, both of which use Qualcomm’s chipset and system software.