Nortel/Sierra turbocharge broadband wireless

Nortel and Sierra Wireless have claimed the industry's first over-the-air test calls using CDMA2000 EV-DO Revision A technology and pre-commercial wireless data devices.

The companies completed the tests using Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 wide area wireless network cards and MC5725 PCI Express Mini Card embedded modules, and EV-DO Revision A equipment from Nortel.

The successful tests confirm the commercial viability of EV-DO Revision A for powering next-generation broadband wireless services, according to the firms.

EV-DO Revision A will offer significant performance improvements to uplink and downlink speeds compared to current EV-DO Release 0 networks.

The new technology enables peak data rates of up to 3.1Mbps on the downlink and 1.8Mbps on the uplink.

"The ability for operators to deliver new revenue-generating services with increased network intelligence enabled by EV-DO Revision A will provide a powerful competitive advantage," said Doug Wolff, vice president and general manager for CDMA at Nortel.

The AirCard 595 wireless wide area network card and the MC5725 Mini Card embedded module are Sierra Wireless's first products for EV-DO Revision A networks and are scheduled for commercial release later this year.