Reply to Dr. Arkle

I appreciated Dr. Arkle’s letter concerning Verizon’s recent CDMA 1X upgraded on the island of Tinian.

CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) networks, developed by Qualcomm, have been in commercial operation since 1995—hardly an outdated, outmoded technology and non-world-class system.

Qualcomm has continuously upgraded the CDMA technology over those years to the point where CDMA 1X handsets now feature Pic-Sending, streaming video, business applications, BREW content downloading and superior voice quality.

The two largest cellular carriers’ in the U.S.— Verizon and Sprint—operate CDMA 1X networks that service 97.3 million subscribers.

In Guam, the two main carriers—GuamCell and IT&E—operate CDMA 1X networks cellular networks, serving over 70,000 subscribers.

Here on Saipan, the two main carriers—Verizon and SaipanCell—also operate CDMA 1X network cellular networks for over 40,000 subscribers.

Throughout the world CDMA 1X networks service 109.5 million users in the Asia-Pacifica region, 45.7 million in the Caribbean and Latin America, 4.1 million users in Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. (Source: CDG—CDMA Development Group)

These carriers include China Unicom, China; KDDI, Japan; SK Telecom, S. Korea; CAT, Thailand; and Hucthison, Hong Kong—hardly the 10 percent subscriber base Dr. Arkle makes reference to. The fact is that when carriers have a choice and aren’t locked into an existing GSM network investment, they choose to use CDMA 1X rather than GPRS.

As far as “foisting off” (which means to force upon) our CDMA 1X network on subscribers and calling it “world-class” because subscribers won’t know any better, that is simply untrue.

As I’ve pointed out above, CDMA systems play a major role in cellular communications around the world. Does Dr. Arkle really think Verizon U.S., Sprint, China Unicom, the Guam cellular carriers and all the carriers listed above, plus our new owners, would go with anything BUT a world-class cellular network? Does he really think that all these carriers set out to give their subscriber’s inferior, outdated cellular service and that users wouldn’t know the difference? Give me a break!

As for Dr. Arkle’s comments on GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) versus CDMA 1X, his numbers are wrong. Most GPRS users are lucky if they get between 32 and 36 KBps. CDMA users are getting at least TWICE that—somewhere between 70 and 80 KBps. Either network will suffice for applications whose maximum bandwidth requirement falls somewhere between medium and heavy. However, once you enter the world of heavy, CDMA 1X is your best choice.

Yes, we have been slower than I would like in getting roaming capabilities for CNMI users to be able to use their handsets around Asia and the United States. However, Roaming for Verizon CNMI subscribers will be happening very soon. Carrier agreements have been signed with U.S. and Asian carriers and we are just waiting on connectivity to Saipan. As Dr. Arkle pointed out we are in a rather remote location and costs money to remain “connected.”

As for Dr. Arkles’ handset issue with us, Verizon has a wide range of “cool handsets,” including the LG6100 with built-in flash, Motorola v710 with streaming video, the Motorola v265 and the Nokia 6225—all camera phones and all web-browsing capable. Please go to the stateside Verizon website—you’ll see the same phones being offer.

Our Singles Airtime Plans offer FREE long distance to nine different destination including Hawaii. So, Dr. Arkle can call his kids for FREE—and only incur local access charges.

We offer $39.99, $49.99 and $59.99 prepaid phones for subscribers that don’t want any agreement obligation and convenient prepaid calling cards in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

I encourage and invite Dr. Arkle to visit our showroom on Tinian and upgrade his current TDMA prepaid handset to one of our new CDMA 1x handsets and switch to one of our singles or sharing airtime plans. I’m certain he’ll enjoy the reception and money-saving experience.

In closing, Verizon is and has been the only cellular carrier ever to serve the cellular communication needs of the people of Tinian. We remain steadfast in that obligation and will continue to upgrade our “world-class CDMA 1X cellular network” there.

I invite Dr. Arkle or any of our subscriber’s that have questions concerning our cellular network, plans or handsets to contact me directly at 670-287-4267 or email me at hans.mickelson@vzpacifica.com

Hans W. Mickelson
Product Manager
Verizon Pacifica