Contrary to the difficult market conditions being experienced by most 3G equipment vendors, Massachusetts-based Airvana Networks closed a very gloomy 2002 with a flurry of announcements for its 1xEV-DO network infrastructure technology. Most of the deals are with fairly small local and regional wireless carri-ers. however, and it appears that the outlook for EV-DO with major North American operators, such as Sprint PCS, Verizon Wireless and Bell Mobility, is uncertain. All, apparently, still have doubts about the benefits of a "data only" upgrade (see p. 2). Nevertheless, Airvana's recent deals - with Wireless Indonesia (WIN), Alaska Communications in the U.S. and Vesper in Brazil - are significant in that they show that the technology is commercially available and ready for prime-time use. Vesper, the Brazilian limited-mobility operator, is expected to launch commercial operations this month, with WIN also hoping to launch services in Jakarta early this year. Alaska Communications, meanwhile, plans to launch a limited trial.
展开▼
