Cordless confusion: no single technology has yet emerged as the standard for digital phones. So much for compatibility
Article Abstract:
Three standards for digital phones have appeared, and no clear winner has emerged. Some carriers, including Pacific Bell Mobile Services and BellSouth Mobility Inc, have formed a consortium in support of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which is used throughout Europe. Meanwhile, time division multiple access (TDMA), a time-slicing technology with technical similarities to GSM, and code division multiple access (CDMA), a spread-spectrum technology, have evolved in the US. TDMA is backed by AT&T Wireless Services, which is the nation's largest cellular provider, as well as by SBC and BellSouth. Two consortiums, which are Sprint PCS and PrimeCo Personal Communications LP, favor CDMA. Some industry observers think a standards battle is a good thing. Quality, they say, is a matter of survival of the fittest.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Cellular goes digital: new phone system is primed for launch; AirTouch, Motorola unveil plans despite questions on technology's viability
Article Abstract:
Motorola and AirTouch Communications each announce their intention to provide code division multiple access (CDMA) cellular telephone networks, despite some industry concerns about the products maturity. Motorola is concentrating its CDMA development efforts in Zambia, Peru and China, while AirTouch will provide a commercial digital cellular service in the Los Angeles region. CDMA technology contains the potential to provide clearer, more powerful signals than analog-based systems, providing as much as nine-times the capacity of previous systems. However, analysts suggest that the technology is not as advanced as its originator initially advertised and that CDMA will not be able to compete with Europe and Asia's TDMA entrenched digital cellular standard.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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A wireless world: for a glimpse of the U.S.'s cordless future, just set your sights overseas
Article Abstract:
The US is not leading the way in the move from wired communications to wireless but is readying itself to rapidly follow other nations' lead. In Finland, for example, almost have of Finns now use wireless phones, which is more than double the number in the US, and wireless has been widely adopted in nations such as Israel and Japan. Meanwhile, a technology called wireless local loop, providing voice links to a fixed base station, is spreading throughout the developing world. According to U S West CEO Solomon Trujillo, people are living in a mobile world and require a range of services, including wireless, data, voice and video, all integrated.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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