UTStarcom Introduces GSM Capability to Its Field-Proven MovingMedia® 2000 All-IP Wireless Network Platform
ALAMEDA, Calif., March 26, 2007 -- UTStarcom, Inc. (Nasdaq: UTSI), a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and services, today announced the introduction of GSM capability on its field- proven MovingMedia® 2000 end-to-end all-IP wireless network platform.
In November 2004, UTStarcom launched MovingMedia 2000, an end-to-end, IP- based CDMA/CDMA2000 wireless infrastructure solution that enables mobile operators to offer CDMA-based voice and data services over IP to end users. Based on 3GPP2 standards specifications, MovingMedia 2000 is an ideal solution for both incumbent and green-field CDMA operators offering coverage in 450Mhz, 800MHz and 1900MHz frequencies.
"Today's announcement on the addition of GSM capability to our existing carrier-class MovingMedia 2000 CDMA/CDMA2000 network solution means UTStarcom can now offer operators around the world a complete, end-to-end, all-IP wireless network infrastructure solution supporting both CDMA and GSM," said Jack Mar, president of the CDMA/GSM division at UTStarcom, Inc. "With more than 2.5 billion users worldwide, GSM accounts for approximately 80 percent of the total global mobile market. We believe this new product development positions UTStarcom well for future growth opportunities."
In addition to today's announcement of GSM capability on its MovingMedia 2000 platform, UTStarcom also announced deployment of the new GSM solution with SeaMobile, a leading provider of advanced at-sea wireless voice communications and data applications based in Seattle, WA. In November 2006, SeaMobile announced deployment of UTStarcom's MovingMedia 2000 CDMA technology to provide CDMA wireless voice and data services its fast-growing cruise line client base.
UTStarcom's new GSM capability on the field-proven MovingMedia 2000 platform offers many of the same benefits associated with the initial CDMA- focused product.
Distributed Network Architecture
With traditional TDM-based wireless infrastructure solutions, multiple network elements are typically collocated in centralized switching centers and operators backhaul all network traffic, even local traffic, to one of these central offices before transmitting it to the recipient.
Both the MovingMedia 2000 CDMA and GSM solutions employ an advanced, IP- based architecture that distributes all the system components throughout the network, rather than in one central location. This distributed architecture approach means wireless operators can deploy the various network elements in different cities or even countries, freeing them from the need to replicate a complete system in every major city in which they offer service. The result is drastically reduced network size and operational cost.
"The distributed architecture of MovingMedia 2000 not only decreases the size and cost of an operator's network, but it also improves network efficiency," Mar said. "Instead of all traffic being backhauled to a central location, traffic is routed to the nearest gateway in the distributed network, so local calls stay within the local area. As a result, wireless operators will utilize far less transmission bandwidth, spend less money to connect a call and realize improved call quality."
In addition, operators who utilize UTStarcom's MovingMedia 2000 platform can now offer both CDMA and GSM voice and data services to their subscribers. Carriers need only deploy separate base stations as the traffic, once it's converted to IP, can be routed over the same common MSC core network, thus enabling additional operational savings while opening up new revenue opportunities.
Expanded Coverage, Enhanced Services
Not only is MovingMedia 2000 designed to reduce the costs of operating a wireless network, but it is also designed to enable carriers to extend IP voice and data services to subscribers in locations that had previously been inaccessible or too expensive to serve.
"Since its launch in late 2004, UTStarcom's MovingMedia 2000 all-IP CDMA infrastructure solution has been successfully deployed with carrier customers in North America, Africa, Asia and Europe in a variety of circumstances," said Brian Caskey, vice president of worldwide marketing for UTStarcom, Inc. "We've deployed in hard-to-reach regions in rural Alaska, India and Africa where no copper infrastructure exists; aboard planes and cruise ships with American Airlines, SeaMobile and Maritime Communications Partner AS (MCP) where compact form factor is crucial; and in emergency response, disaster relief and military deployments with QUALCOMM where rapid deployment and dependable communications are critical. We believe our new GSM solution will offer operators a similarly flexible platform to extend wireless voice and data services to new subscribers in regions of the world not previously reachable."
Operators can also install base stations for in-building deployment scenarios in malls, convention centers, office complexes or campus environments to maintain seamless indoor coverage for cell phone users.
MovingMedia 2000 (GSM) Network Elements
o Mobile Switching Center (MSC) Server
The UTStarcom Sonata® SE - MSC provides a scalable, cost-effective
softswitch-based switching solution for MovingMedia 2000-based
networks.
o Intelligent Media Gateway (IMG)
This high density, highly compact hardware, efficiently translates
calls between traditional telephone and wireless networks.
o Signaling Gateway (SGW)
The SGW provides protocol processing and signaling functions for
MovingMedia 2000 based-wireless networks.
o Operations Maintenance Center (OMC)
The UTStarcom OMC provides a complete, centralized platform for
managing all MovingMedia 2000 components.
MovingMedia 2000 Availability
Both the MovingMedia 2000 GSM and CDMA solutions are available now for deployment. For further information on pricing and availability, contact your regional UTStarcom office.
About UTStarcom, Inc.
UTStarcom is a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its broadband, wireless, and handset solutions to operators in both emerging and established telecommunications markets around the world. UTStarcom enables its customers to rapidly deploy revenue-generating access services using their existing infrastructure, while providing a migration path to cost-efficient, end-to-end IP networks. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in the United States, Canada, China, Korea and India. UTStarcom is a FORTUNE 1000 company.
For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company's Web site at www.utstar.com.
SOURCE UTStarcom, Inc.
Andy Tennille, Senior Manager, Public Relations, UTStarcom, Inc., +1-510-814-4421, andy.tennille@utstar.com
http://www.utstar.com/
