TDMA SUBSCRIBER NUMBERS JUMP 61% IN 1999.(Industry Trend or Event)

The Universal Wireless Communications Consortium (UWCC) has announced that users of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) wireless technology continue to increase at a substantial pace.

Worldwide, through the end of third quarter 1999, there were 11.4 million new subscribers for a total of 30 million. Sheila Mickool, president of the UWCC, reported that "We are on track to exceed 35 million subscribers before the end of the millennium." She added, "The 61% subscriber growth since December 31, 1998, demonstrates the strength of TDMA technology acceptance globally."

North America and Latin America showed strong demand for TDMA technology. The number of TDMA subscribers totaled 17 million in North America and 10.9 million in Latin America. Chris Pearson, vice president of marketing of the UWCC, said "TDMA continues to be the wireless technology of choice for consumers throughout the western hemisphere." He added, "Including analog customers, TDMA operators will serve an estimated 65 million subscribers worldwide by the end of 1999."

Recently the UWCC, which represents TDMA technology, and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), which represents GSM technology, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work toward worldwide voice and data interoperability. GSM is the leading wireless technology in Asia Pacific and Europe. Pearson stated, "With China's participation at the WTO and our agreement for TDMA and GSM interoperability the potential exists for TDMA to explore new opportunities in the Asia Pacific regions." He added, "Someday subscribers will utilize a wireless device from TDMA and GSM operators that provides worldwide coverage and high-speed data."

The UWCC is a Bellevue, Washington-based international consortium of more than 100 wireless carriers and vendors supporting the TDMA, EDGE and WIN technology standards. Its Board Members include: Alcatel USA, Argentina TDMA Association, AT&T Wireless Services (USA), BellSouth Cellular Corp. (USA) Cellcom (Israel), Celumovil (Columbia), Compaq Computer Corporation, Ericsson Radio Systems, Cable and Wireless (United Kingdom), Hughes Network Systems, Industar Digital PCS (USA), Lucent Technologies, Mobikom SDN BHD (Malaysia), Motorola, Movilnet (Venezuela), Nokia, Nortel Networks, Rogers Cantel (Canada), SBC Wireless (USA), Telecom (New Zealand), Telecom Personal (Argentina), Unifon (Argentina) and Vimpelcom (Russia).

For more information, call 425/372-8925.

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