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When the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) set forth its plans for advanced third-generation (3G) wireless standards, the consensus was that CDMA was a key technology. CDMA made highly efficient use of radio spectrum, enabling wireless networks to handle more users simultaneously. It was able to provide the higher data transfer speeds required by the ITU's definition of 3G, was backwards compatible with second-generation CDMA technology; and was capable of supporting the advanced multimedia services foreseen by the ITU and technology visionaries. Today, CDMA forms the foundation for the two most widely adopted 3G standards-CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS).

A direct evolution of the CDMA2000 third-generation wireless standards, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO enables high-speed wireless connectivity comparable to wired broadband. CDMA2000 1xEV-DO(evolution, data-optimized) is leading the convergence of wireless and personal electronics, spawning a new generation of multi-purpose wireless devices. CDMA2000 1xEV-DO enables individuals to send and receive email with large file attachments, play real-time interactive games, receive and send high-resolution pictures and video, download video and music content or stay wirelessly connected to their office PCs – all from the same mobile device.

The QUALCOMM has forged a path of continuous innovation that has kept EV-DO at the forefront of wireless network performance and functionality, while ensuring a compelling migration path to protect operators' investments. Currently, operators have three options for expanding system capabilities.

EV-DO Rel. 0 is a high-performance, cost effective, wide area wireless broadband solution. It offers high data rates, high capacity and lower costs for wireless operators, enabling them to offer compelling, differentiated data services to consumers and business professionals. It provides a peak forward link data rate of 2.4 Mbps and a peak reverse link data rate of 153 Kbps

This leading-edge wireless technology adds higher data rates and higher system capacity, as well as improved QoS support for low-latency packet applications. It is a fully backward compatible standard and remains interoperable with deployed EV-DO networks and devices around the world. On the forward link, the peak data rate increases to 3.1 Mbps while the reverse link speed increases to a peak rate of 1.8 Mbps.

The EV-DO Rev. B will be highly integrated with advanced functionality, support the operation of up to three simultaneous channels of 1.25 MHz each for higher-speed data rates and deliver significant space-savings for devices that are thinner, smaller and lighter.

In addition, to above mentioned technologies MediaFLO's mobile broadcast technology will complement wireless operators' WCDMA/HSDPA and CDMA2000/EV-DO cellular network data and voice services, delivering content to the same handsets used on these 3G networks. MediaFLO technology is built around FLO, a globally recognized, open-standard, air-interface technology designed to increase capacity and coverage, as well as reduce cost for multimedia content delivery to mobile handsets.

Engineered specifically for the mobile environment, MediaFLO technology offers several advantages over other mobile multicast technologies, including higher-quality video and audio, faster channel switching time, superior mobile reception, optimized power consumption and greater capacity. Specific performance features of MediaFLO technology in an 8 MHz channel are support for transmitting up to 30 streaming channels of QVGA-quality (320x240 pixels), video at up to 25 frames per second with a constant quality of service, 10 stereo audio channels (HE AAC+ parametric stereo) and multiple Clipcasting downloads per day (short-format video clips), and an average channel switching time of approximately two seconds.

TriAls and partnerships
The MediaFLO, and MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom announced a multi-year licensing agreement under which MTV Networks will provide channels branded MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central to MediaFLO, USA's mobile entertainment service.

QUALCOMM and British Sky Broadcasting Limited (BSkyB), have successfully completed two joint technical trial of the QUALCOMM's MediaFLO System in the United Kingdom. The first technical trial, featured 11 channels from the BSkyB content menu delivered to non-commercial devices from QUALCOMM. The second technical trial, conducted in Manchester, featured BSkyB content delivered to non-commercial devices from QUALCOMM.

Sandeep Budki
sandeepb@cybermedia.co.in