Equipment manufacturers, such as Kyocera, AirPrime and Microsoft, are shipping everything from Internet-enabled handsets to data cards to data modules based on Qualcomm’s MSM5105 Mobile Station Modem chipset, system software and integrated applications software.

"These new 3G products will offer network operators up to twice the voice capacity of second-generation IS-95A/B chipsets, said Don Schrock, president of Qualcomm.

According to the San Diego-based company, these next generation devices, based on its chipset and Wireless Internet Launchpad applications software suite, including multimedia, streaming video file transmission, support speeds of up to 153 kbps for the first time in North America, making e-mail and Internet access easier and faster. These devices may also enable such features as dual-band and tri-mode configurations, color displays, dual display, MIDI ringers, SMS, voice-activated dialing and speakerphone functions.

Besides faster Internet access, these "new 3G products will offer network operators up to twice the voice capacity of second-generation IS-95A/B chipsets," said Don Schrock, president of Qualcomm.

North American mobile users can look forward to new data products focusing on packet data and Mobile IP capabilities. For example, Sierra Wireless AirCard 550/555 that will support data speeds of up to 153 kbps and will integrate with Microsoft Windows-powered notebooks and handheld devices.

The availability of the products and associated services depends on the network deployment schedules of individual system operators throughout North America, the company said.