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Verizon Wireless unveils national test lab
Verizon Wireless announced its expanded national test lab, which ensures that every handset used on the company's network "meets the highest standard of reliability." The lab has been up and running since 1987, but the company recently updated the facility and quadrupled the facility's size. The facility houses a 37-member Verizon Wireless test lab team.
An interesting passage from the release: "Many test rooms resemble fortified vaults and are lined with metal screening to shield devices from external live radio waves, keeping unwanted signals out and test signals in. A life-like test mannequin head and torso, known as 'Mr. Head,' sits in a soundproof booth and is outfitted with $5,000 ears that funnel sound just like human ears to test handset microphone volume and clarity."
The blog, Phone Arena may have uncovered a document from Verizon that discloses the carrier's release schedule for phones through the end of the year. The BlackBerry Pearl is among the phones awaiting launch, according to the blog. Check out the link below to see which other phones are rumored to be in the testing facility.
For more on Verizon's facility:
- read this press release
- for more on the phones, check out this post from Phone Arena
Comments (3) | Post a comment
Comments
Posted by Jim Aimone | August 15, 2007 - 2:40pm
"...ensures that every handset used on the company's network "meets the highest standard of reliability."
I find it very interesting that Verizon Wireless is now positioning (and advertising) its new test center for approving wireless devices on their network.
If one looks at what the FCC is calling Open Access on the new 700Mhz spectrum one sees a comment that any devices will be allowed to access the new network as long as they do not adversley impact that network-as defined by the Wireless Carrier.
What are these approval specs. and are they public. Will Verizon Charge for this certification testing etc.
Makes one wonder.
Posted by jimbobjones | August 15, 2007 - 6:52pm
I'm not impressed. Now, if Verizon advertised that they had streamlined their approvals process that would be news. This just seems like bureaucracy gone mad.
Posted by Sue Marek | August 17, 2007 - 11:53am
Thanks for your comments. I suspect that Verizon is attempting to tout its authorization and testing process because of the 700 Mhz rules and because of Sprint's commitment to open access on its WiMAX network. Sprint says that for its Xohm WiMAX network it will allow all WiMAX-certified devices on the network and won't require additional testing and certification by the carrier.
Sue
