San Diego Takes 3G 1xEV-DO

US : Verizon Wireless, the nation's #1 wireless carrier, and Nortel Networks announced today the commercial launch of a third generation (3G) wireless data network - referred to as Broadband Access - for customers in San Diego.

In San Diego, CA, coverage extends from Oceanside south to National City and east to include Escondido, Poway and El Cajon.

The network in San Diego uses Nortel Networks CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (1X evolution-data optimized) 3G technology, and is powered exclusively by Nortel Networks CDMA core and access solutions. This packet-based network provides users with wireless data at speeds up to 2.0 megabits per second, or about 16 times faster than existing CDMA2000 1X networks. It supports rich applications and virtual private network (VPN) connections, and allows businesses to experience BroadbandAccess as an extension of their corporate local area networks (LAN) or intranets. This allows them to work from any location with the same speed, security, authentication and data protection as if they were working from their offices.

As part of the launch, Verizon Wireless is offering its first BroadbandAccess subscriber device - the Verizon Wireless PC 5220 card. In the future, Verizon Wireless plans to offer additional BroadbandAccess devices, including cards, modems and a wide range of the latest handheld mobile devices.

"We are pleased to work with Nortel Networks to launch our 1xEV-DO wireless network in San Diego," said Bill Stone, vice president of marketing, Verizon Wireless. "Nortel Networks continually delivers innovative technology that enhances our superior network offerings and ultimately helps us deliver value-added services to meet the needs of our customers."

"Nortel Networks is delighted to work with the nation's largest wireless operator in this major achievement," said Steve Slattery, president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks.

"This is a significant milestone for the wireless industry and the entire North American wireless telecommunications market," Slattery said. "Our CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology positions Verizon Wireless to offer advanced wireless data applications for consumers and businesses, and to drive new sources of revenue and maximize network investment. Today's launch builds on Nortel Networks recent success in delivering 3G technology to operators around the globe."

Nortel Networks CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution for Verizon Wireless includes Nortel Networks CDMA Metro Cell radio base stations equipped for 1xEV-DO, Radio Network Controllers, Element Management System and related infrastructure. The CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution was implemented for Verizon Wireless through an upgrade to their CDMA Metro Cell base stations.

Nortel Networks has been providing wireless equipment to Verizon Wireless and its predecessor companies since 1996. In 2002, Verizon Wireless and Nortel Networks conducted technology trials of 1xEV-DO in San Diego. In September 2003, Nortel Networks announced an expansion and upgrade agreement for Verizon Wireless' nationwide 3G voice and data network. The agreement includes San Diego and other key markets.

A CDMA leader since 1995, Nortel Networks has designed, installed and launched CDMA networks - including more than 35,000 '3G-ready' base stations as of August 31, 2003 - for more than 65 service providers in 17 countries. Nortel Networks is implementing 1xEV-DO with customers around the globe including Asia Pacific Broadband Wireless in Taiwan, PT Wireless Indonesia (WIN) and Vesper in Brazil.