News
Issue #2002 - 36 (September 2002)
(Updated October 2, 2002)

OPINION and ANALYSIS 

Suppliers That Power Sprint's Business Vision 1xRTT Network 

Sprint launched its "Business Connection" CDMA 1xRTT 2.5 G wireless network during August 2002. It got a fair bit of publicity from the trade press - deservedly so because Sprint has demonstrated a commitment to all digital wireless network for some time. It also met, more or less, its promise of nationwide (pretty well) coverage on its launch date.

While we are watching with interest its adoption by subscribers for wireless data applications, we should perhaps go behind the network and find out who the suppliers of this infrastructure. Therefore, we are listing the following major vendors that played a major role in this launch:

Wireless Network - Of course, Qualcomm was the supplier of 1xRTT network technology. 

Mobile Handsets : A number of vendors, including Kyocera, LG  and Samsung SPH-A450 

Wireless Data Modems: Novatel 

IT infrastructure : Sun provided Sprint with Sun Solaris servers, SunONE software, directory lookup software, authentication, DNS name resolution, and packet data service node management software for its CDMA 1xRTT network. It's also provided the software that connects the radio and wired networks for call completion. Sun is also providing messaging, J2ME, and Webservers.

Sun is, of course, very happy with this deployment. This is very important for us," David Harrah, a software manager at Sun told Unstrung. "It’s the largest deployment to date in the U.S. of these kinds of [mobile Java] services."

"Sun Microsystems has played a pivotal role in our migration to next generation Network services," said William T. Esrey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sprint. "As the convergence of the Internet and wireless technology gains momentum in the market, we will continue to rely on Sun's technologies -- both hardware and software -- to provide the scalability and reliability we need to successfully change the way Sprint wireless customers work, learn, play and communicate."

Application Servers:  Sprint is using a Java application server from BEA Systems.

Microbrowser: Openwave is providing Sprint with an updated version of its microbrowser, "push" technology derived from its mobile access gateway, and the "download manager" -- a Java "vending machine" that allows the phone user to download games, screensavers, and ring tones, according to Openwave.

Openwave hasn't supplied Sprint with a whole new messaging system for the new network; it's just made enhancements to the 2G Openwave software that Sprint already had. This software stores messages, handles inter-carrier traffic and connects to other messaging systems.

For more information: http://www.openwave.com/newsroom/announcement/sprint.html http://www.thinkmobile.com and http://www.sun.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory:  It takes more than one vendor to supply the components that you need to implement a wireless carrier's network services. There is no doubt that Qualcomm and Sun were the major players on the network and IT ends of end-to-end infrastructure respectively. Meanwhile, IBM, HP and Oracle are trying hard to get into this game. IBM has, in fact, set up a center of expertise in Atlanta for this purpose. Sun continues to be in the lead with a strong base in the telecom sector.

First choice a carrier makes is which migration path it will take - whether it will go the CDMA route or GSM/GPRS route. That then seems to dictate which handset vendors to support. Having decided those transition options, the next question for the carrier is which IT hardware and software infrastructure to use for building the infrastructure. In this space, Sun continues to be in the lead, even though IBM is gearing up. 

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.