Qualcomm Incorporated announced the successful completion of the first phase of a comprehensive GSM1x technology trial in cooperation with China United Telecommunications Corporation (China Unicom), China's second largest mobile telecom carrier.

GSM1x is a deployment option allowing GSM carriers to deliver spectrally efficient CDMA2000 1X voice, data and enhanced services utilizing commercial CDMA2000 radio infrastructure equipment while preserving their GSM SIM distribution model, authentication, roaming and GSM back-office systems and processes.

The enhanced CDMA2000 1X services include the BREW platform, gpsOne position location and high-speed data access. Adoption of GSM1x can deliver significant cost savings and early time-to-market to operators with second-generation (2G) or third-generation (3G) spectrum by reusing existing GSM provisioning, billing and service platforms, while creating new revenue opportunities through differentiated voice and data services based on CDMA2000 1X.

Highlighting the advanced level of wireless developments in China, the GSM1x Phase One trial also included successful testing of the world's first GSM and CDMA2000 multimode handset. The QUALCOMM-supplied prototype, QTP6300, supports both GSM and CDMA operation by utilizing the advanced capability of the MSM6300 multimode chip. The QTP6300 was used to demonstrate GSM and CDMA operation with a single UIM, including roaming between GSM and CDMA networks. China Unicom confirmed its strong interest in the potential of multimode handsets for its commercial network.

"The Phase One trial was a significant step in the progression of next-generation wireless services and demonstrates a cost-efficient and spectrum-efficient means of providing current GSM subscribers with the benefits of CDMA2000 1X," said Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs, chairman and CEO of QUALCOMM. "The fact that this trial, a world first, took place in China is testament to the vitality of the Chinese mobile industry, well exemplified by China Unicom, and reinforces the fact that Chinese companies are key players in global wireless development."

"This cooperation demonstrated China Unicom's commitment to exploring innovative solutions to drive our growth and sharpen our competitive edge," said Wang Jianzhou, chairman of China Unicom. "At the same time we hope to expedite the commercial availability of multimode handsets in China, a market with a significant number of GSM subscribers."

GSM1x is a CDMA2000 1X solution for GSM operators in any band, and combines the benefits of CDMA2000 1X and GSM-MAP. GSM1x takes full advantage of an operator's investment in its existing GSM-MAP network, maintaining all key features and services inherent in the system. A multimode GSM/CDMA handset will facilitate both GSM and CDMA global roaming.