Pocket Communications, the fastest growing wireless company in Texas, has launched a new network to serve markets in the U.S. Northeast plus expanding the capacity of its South Texas wireless network with 3G CDMA technology from Nortel*.

Pocket offers its low-cost, high-quality wireless phone service to new subscribers in parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and will be launching its service in parts of New York state in 2009. With this expansion Pocket hopes to build upon the success the company has had in Texas. Pocket's current 3G CDMA2000 1X network in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Laredo has enjoyed unprecedented growth in just two years by attracting more than three hundred thousand (300K) subscribers with its flat-rate plans for unlimited voice minutes, text and picture messaging.

Nortel helped Pocket build out its 3G CDMA network in Texas and will remain the equipment provider for continued expansion in that state, as well as Pocket's entry into northeastern U.S.

"The Pocket model is about simplicity and what we've termed 'smart' wireless," explained Paul Posner, president and CEO, Pocket. "That means no complicated or pricey plans, no contracts, just a high-quality, reliable voice and data service at affordable prices."
"Nortel's 3G CDMA solution delivers the network performance our subscribers demand. We've also found that by using the latest 3G CDMA technology, we're able to lower our cost of ownership and pass those savings along to our customers," said Amir Rajwany, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Pocket Communications.

As part of both deployments, Nortel will supply the ATCA-compliant, VSE-based  Packet Mobile Switching Center and Media Gateway 15000, providing a high-density softswitch architecture in a small footprint. Enhanced Base Station Controllers and Base Stations, designed and built with unique innovations in power amplifiers and transceivers, will also be deployed. This technology allows significant reductions in power consumption creating a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly network, while giving Pocket subscribers high-quality voice and multimedia services.

"CDMA technology is an excellent choice for providers like Pocket and will give them the capacity, cost point, and performance they need," said Richard Lowe, president, Carrier Networks, Nortel. "Industry estimates have the CDMA subscriber base exceeding half a billion with steady growth for the foreseeable future. CDMA is expected to form the foundation for profitable growth for Pocket and other operators around the world for years to come, particularly as the demands of  Hyperconnectivity  increase."

Nortel's CDMA solutions provide investment protection and a standards-based, cost-effective evolution path to  LTE . As a leader in wireless solutions, Nortel is leading the evolution driving standards and delivering innovative solutions to service providers with the most cost-effective path to 4G while growing existing networks with maximum return on investments.

*Nortel, the Nortel logo and the Globemark are trademarks of Nortel Networks.

Source: Nortel