Telstra have officially announced the nationwide rollout of their CDMA 1xRTT next generation data network, based on the CDMA2000 standard. This service - which can provide speeds of up to 144 kilobits per second - will be usable for both mobile phones and PC/notebooks - providing an alternative to dial-up or satellite in rural areas, and providing high-speed data "on the road".

As per our previous report, Telstra are working on a number of new offerings to be made available this year, and our understanding is that this includes the Samsung SGH-i700 (possibly SCH-i700) and perhaps even the Samsung SGH-i600. In our report, we confirmed that the Samsung SGH-i700 Pocket PC Phone is currently being tested for use on Telstra's CDMA 1xRTT network, and that it would likely be released around April, although according to Telstra's press release this may slip somewhat. The testing of these devices seems to be confirmed in part by the press release:

""We are developing a range of pricing and access plans which will make 1x very attractive to our rural customers," Mr Campbell said."

.. but the supplementary PDF supplied is even more specific.

"Other personal digital assistants (PDAs), PC cards, handsets and devices are currently under test for introduction later in the year."

It is not certain whether the Samsung i600 and i700 - if or when released - will include an upgrade to Windows Mobile 2003. However it's reasonable to assume that Samsung will consider this, since they would be introducing their phone to a market which has already seen a Windows Mobile 2003 based Pocket PC Phone.

Moving away from speculation, this is great news - providing a viable alternative to GPRS, and one which is robust enough to consider for desktop and notebook use. Although speeds are not as high as the iBurst technology we've previously talked about, it's encouraging to see yet another data offering for those without access to broadband technologies such as ADSL and Cable.

The full press release follows.

" Rural and Regional Australia gets new high-speed wireless data service

Telstra will invest a further $31 million to roll out advanced wireless data services to rural and regional Australia before the end of the year, completing the first national next-generation mobile data network.

The new network will cover 98 per cent of the population, allowing them to access emails, the internet or even company networks, as long as they have a compatible mobile phone, or a PC card or modem used with a laptop or desktop computer.

Group Managing Director for Telstra Country Wide, Doug Campbell, said the announcement was a massive leap in internet connection options for rural and regional customers, providing most with an alternate high-speed internet service.

He said the wireless data service - known as 1xRTT (single carrier radio transmission technology) - operates over the CDMA network to transmit data at speeds of up to 144kilobits per second.

"1x is a proven technology, and its availability across the national CDMA network makes it a compelling proposition for those who want mobile data, or who are in areas of CDMA coverage but no fixed telecommunication infrastructure," Mr Campbell said.

"We have invested heavily in the rollout of CDMA, which now covers almost one-fifth of the Australian landmass or around 1.5 million square kilometres - more than double the geographic coverage of GSM.

"Providing 1x across the CDMA network demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative communications services for our rural and regional customers."

"Being a wireless technology, 1x will be a boon for our rural customers who have CDMA coverage but no fixed infrastructure such as copper wires.

"Up until now the only fast internet option for these customers has been satellite.

"It will also be of interest to many internet dial-up (narrowband) customers - especially those connected by very long length of copper - because of the considerably faster data speeds that can be achieved.

"We are developing a range of pricing and access plans which will make 1x very attractive to our rural customers," Mr Campbell said.

1x was launched just over 12 months ago in the greater metropolitan areas of Sydney and Melbourne, and as a trial in Sale, Victoria. In February 2003 it was released in Brisbane, Canberra the Gold Coast, and selected regional sites, spreading to other capitals only months ago.

Telstra anticipates the effectiveness of 1x as an alternate data service, for both metropolitan and country users, will be greatly enhanced by the national rollout. There are already over 100,000 1x capable devices in the hands of customers, most of them in rural and regional areas.

Most new CDMA handsets are 1x compatible. Further information about the range of 1x devices, including PC cards, is available from your nearest Telstra Shop.

Background information is available here (pdf)."