Sierra Wireless Bets on CDPD with New Modem

It’s relatively easy to predict that wireless communication is going to be a hit. It’s a little more difficult, however, to pinpoint exactly which wireless offering is going to make it and which will become the next big money sink.

This is especially so with all the new services being discussed or coming online in the next few years. Among these are advanced two-way wireless paging, Personal Communications Services (PCS), and the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) system.

Sierra Wireless, a Vancouver, British Columbia company and CDPD pioneer, recently introduced its PocketPlus cellular data modem supporting both Windows and the Macintosh. The modem features support for a range of communication options in addition to CDPD, including circuit switched cellular, and the wireline Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

The PocketPlus operates at 19.2 Kbps when used as a CDPD modem, and at 14.4 Kbps using V.32 bis and V.17 fax when used with circuit switched cellular or wireline links. The palm-sized unit includes a set of rechargeable batteries and can connect to the serial port of either a Macintosh or Windows-based portable computer.

The modem comes with software that speeds installation on the portable computer, and permits the user to configure and control the modem using icons and menus. The modem also features AT&T’s Enhanced Throughput Cellular (ETC) protocol for faster circuit switched communications.

CDPD is gradually being rolled out commercially and in trial across North America, while the existing cellular network has over 13,000 base stations in the U.S.

Sierra Wireless, Inc.
#260, 13151 Vanier Place
Richmond, B.C., Canada V6V 2J2
(604) 665-9200