Cingular Completes GSM Overlay, Accelerates WCDMA Plans

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

<http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=895>
Date Posted: Jun 24, 2004
Source: Wireless Week

Cingular this week provided a complete status update on its 3G migration. Last
weekend, the company completed the deployment of GSM technology over its
entire network coverage area. Also, taking full advantage of additional
spectrum from its planned acquisition of AT&T Wireless, the company last week
issued a formal request for proposals (RFP) to supply WCDMA (UMTS) equipment
to upgrade its entire network. The RFP includes HSDPA, an upgraded version of
WCDMA - sometimes referred to as "3.5G" - that delivers data rates up to 14.4
Mbps. The RFP also includes WCDMA in the 850 MHz band, which will allow the
company to move its entire spectrum and network to WCDMA technology, including
rural areas. The company aims launch the first areas in 2005, with the entire
upgrade to be completed in 2006.