PTI launches EV-DO, boosts network speed

PTI unveiled its latest upgrade to the No. 1 network in the Marianas today with the launch of EV-DO on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. PTI’s successful launch marks the first time that any carrier has introduced 3G technology to Micronesia.

EV-DO is short for Evolution Data Optimized, and elevates the speed of the PTI’s network up to 10 times faster than the CNMI’s previous standard for wireless communications, familiarly known as 1X.

PTI regional marketing manager Kathryn Barry explained what EV-DO will do for the CNMI and shared some of PTI’s future plans for the region.

“We’re all excited about the launch of EV-DO and what it means to all of our subscribers in the Marianas. Now when people say ‘I’m in the network,” they’re also saying that they’re part of the fastest wireless network in the region,” Barry said. “In the near future we plan on launching the same level of speed and performance to our IT&E subscribers on Guam.”

PTI general manager Larry Knecht also voiced his enthusiasm about PTI’s dedication to the Marianas.

“This is another example of PTI’s commitment to bring leading edge technology to the CNMI and Guam,” he said. “We may be 10,000 miles away from the U. S. mainland but our residents have a network and prices every bit as good or better than our family and friends in the U.S.”

With EV-DO, business customers with smart phones can access email, photos, spreadsheets and other large files via the Internet at previously unprecedented speeds to stay connected to the office. Residential customers will enjoy a new world of entertainment thanks to EV-DO as their phones can easily access social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Friendster.

EV-DO also gives PTI customers the ability to watch streaming video from the Internet as well as the ability to upload their videos to popular sharing sites like YouTube from their phones. PTI is also offering its subscribers the opportunity to “Go Unlimited” with one of the new PTI unlimited data packages.

Subscribers with handsets can surf the Internet without using their plan minutes for $9.95 while smart phone subscribers can gain unlimited access to the Internet for $19.95 per month.

EV-DO is also a boon to all laptop users as they are no longer required to bring their laptops to a Wi-Fi hotspot to access DSL speeds. The PTI Air Card gives users the freedom to travel throughout the CNMI with Internet access at DSL speeds.

PTI Air Card plans are available for only $39.95 per month and include a free air card for customers who sign one-year contracts. Those interested in taking advantage of the PTI Air Card without signing up for a plan may purchase the units for $50 and pay a month-to-month rate of $59.95.

Perhaps the brightest of EV-DO’s highlights is that PTI is offering it to its subscribers at no additional cost; only the cost of airtime. Most phones from PTI are currently EV-DO capable but PTI subscribers need to stop at PTI’s new Wireless Express Center in Garapan or PTI Chalan Laulau location to have their phones flashed for activation—free of charge.

“With EV-DO from PTI, the possibilities are endless. PTI is still your Connection to the World, but now you’ll get wherever you want to go faster than you’ve ever imagined,” the company said in a statement.

The company says this latest innovation is proof that PTI remains the CNMI’s leader in wireless communications, and serves as another example of the company’s dedication to the islands.

For more information, call 682-4PTI. [B][I] (PTI)
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