Sony and IPWireless have agreed to jointly research and develop wireless technologies for 4G networks and beyond.
IPWireless, the inventor of TD-CDMA technology also know as UMTS TDD that IPWireless says is upgradeable to LTE, and Sony will initially focus on enhancing LTE for new applications and services and other 3GPP technologies with the goal of contributing their findings to the 3GPP standards body. R&D activity will be based at IPWireless' technology center in England.
"From our vantage point, there are very few companies who provide end-to-end 3GPP system capabilities," an IPWireless spokeswoman said. "We believe this, combined with our expertise at developing 3GPP technologies, make us a good match for Sony."
Mobile TV technology has been a particular focus of IPWireless. The company has experience with TDtv technology, which is based on 3GPP Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service, and allows UMTS operators to deliver mobile television and other multimedia services using their existing 3G spectrum and networks but without the drain on voice and data services. IPWireless sees other opportunities for a broadcast technology, including services such as web casting to subscribers and data casting applications.
After breaking away from now bankrupt NextWave last year, IPWireless in November secured $15.5 million in Series A funding and is using it to accelerate sales of its 3GPP based mobile broadband and broadcast solutions into both the government and commercial markets. TD-CDMA technology is being used by New York public safety and government agencies, while IPWireless recently signed Gillette, Wyo. as another TD-CDMA customer.
Two other customers are Southern Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority (SGRITA), which is building a wireless broadband network for rural residents and businesses in Georgia, and Pennsylvania-based ISP USA Choice Internet Services, which is deploying a multi-service communications network with plans to offer fixed and mobile applications for public safety, mobile data and voice capabilities along with video surveillance services in Crawford, Forest, Venango and Warren counties in Pennsylvania. Both companies won spectrum in the 700 MHz auction.
For more:
- see this release
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IPWireless Secures $15.5 Million in Funding
IPWireless makes two deals for TD-CDMA in 700MHz band