Low-frequency Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) wireless technology is ideal for providing communication services quickly and at a low cost in rural Africa, says Yves Roux, VP of Africa for Nortel Networks.
He says although there has been rapid growth of mobile wireless telephony since 1998, maintaining that growth will require extending coverage to rural areas where installation costs are higher due to lack of underlying infrastructure such as roads and electricity.
According to Roux, the key advantage of CDMA fixed wireless technology is that it uses a lower frequency than standard mobile communication services. The low 450MHz frequency allows cost-effective coverage of a broad area because fewer base stations are required.
CDMA 450 needs only a small antenna to connect with local radio base stations. The telephone can then be used inside the house like any fixed-line cordless handset. CDMA 450 also has data capabilities that enable it to be used to deliver Internet and voice services, he explains.
Roux says CDMA 450 provides a flexible, high-efficiency and cost-effective means of building telecoms services in emerging markets like Africa by expanding voice and data services that can cover both rural and urban areas.
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