InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[nieves]

Iusacell fires up CDMA2000 1X network



RELATED SYMBOLS: (LU)

Mexico, Jan 23, 2003 (BNamericas.com via COMTEX) -- Mexican mobile operator
Iusacell (NYSE: CEL) announced Thursday the commercial launch of the country's
first CDMA2000 1xRTT voice and high-speed data network, using equipment,
software and services from US-based Lucent (NYSE: LU).

The 3G network allows Iusacell to increase its voice capacity and offer
subscribers new data services such as high-speed instant messaging, e-mail and
Internet access at speeds of up to 144kbps, the company said in a statement.

Iusacell also will be able to offer businesses mobile office capabilities and
applications designed to meet the needs of specific mobile users such as field
sales and service personnel.

Lucent upgraded Iusacell's existing Lucent-supplied base stations with CDMA2000
1X channel cards and software, and also provided software upgrades for
Iusacell's mobile switching centers to enable these advanced services.

Iusacell subscribers in Mexico will be able to access the high-speed network
with CDMA2000 1X-enabled devices or personal digital assistants (PDAs) and
laptop PCs equipped with CDMA2000 1X PC cards.

Iusacell operates in seven of Mexico's nine regions, including Mexico City,
Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, Acapulco, Puebla, Leon and Merida. Its service
regions encompass 91 million POPs or 90% of the country's total population.

Iusacell is owned 37.2% by Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and 34.5% by
Vodafone Group (NYSE: VOD).


URL: http://www.bnamericas.com

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KEYWORD: Mexico
SUBJECT CODE: Internet/Data

(Wall Street)





Daniel Nieves