InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[nieves]

Vesper initiates CDMA2000 1xEV-DO tests


Brazil, Feb 14, 2003 (BNamericas.com via COMTEX) -- Brazilian local exchange
carrier Vesper has begun tests of its trial-phase CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network, the
company said in a press release.

The operator will use 100 test subjects which will evaluate daily the following
variables: signal quality, installation simplicity, data transmission speed,
technical support, among others.

Vesper expects to launch 1xEV-DO services in the Sao Paulo metro region before
the end of March, making it Latin America's first 3G operator. Equipment will be
supplied by Canada's Nortel Networks (NYSE: NT).

CDMA technology was patented by US-based supplier Qualcomm (Nasdaq: QCOM), which
is also Vesper's controlling shareholder.

Vesper provides voice and data services in 165 Brazilian municipalities,
including 17 state capitals, in the country's southeast, north, and northeast
regions.

In November last year Vesper purchased three PCS licenses. However, according to
local regulations the licenses can only be used on the 1800MHz band, designated
solely for GSM technology. Vesper is currently trying to convince the local
regulator Anatel to bend the rules so that it can use its 1900MHz spectrum for
fixed-wireless services to launch CDMA-based mobile services.


URL: http://www.bnamericas.com

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KEYWORD: Brazil
SUBJECT CODE: Mobile Telephony

(Wall Street)