Verizon, Sprint Detail EV-DO Upgrade
Two of the nation's largest CDMA-based wireless providers elaborated on their plans for the next version of their high speed networks, known as EV-DO Revision A. Verizon said it had tapped Motorola to help deploy the technology across its network, while Sprint announced two new mobile broadband cards that are Revision A-capable.
Both Verizon and Sprint currently use CDMA 1x RTT as the initial version of EV-DO across their networks. While the technology offers average download speeds of 400-700 kbps, Revision A gives a slight speed bump to as much as 850 KBps, with a 300-400 kbps upload speed.
The CDMA operators are locked in a fierce battle with American GSM heavyweight Cingular, who uses rival GSM technology. Cingular launched its HSDPA network in December of last year, and has been slowly building its coverage area throughout the year. Data rates there average 400-700kpbs with burst speeds of over 1Mbps.
For Verizon, Tuesday's announcement extends a previous agreement with Motorola to deploy EV-DO Revision A across its network. Motorola also reaffirmed its commitment to CDMA, and said it expected "to continue to evolve CDMA 1x EV-DO technology over time to insure the technology maintains competitiveness with other broadband wireless technology options."
Sprint had already been offering one card that was EV-DO Revision A capable, the Novatel Wireless S270. However, Tuesday added two new cards, the Pantech PX-500 and the Sierra Wireless Aircard 595. Both require a PCMCIA Type II slot and are Wi-Fi compatible.
The PX-500 retails for $199.99 USD or free with a two-year agreement after mail-in rebate and is available immediately, and the Aircard 595 will retail for $249.99 or $99.99 with a service contract and will be sold later this year.
Sprint said it would begin rolling out its upgraded network in the fourth quarter of 2006, while Verizon has provided no timetable for its plans.