Telstra are set to roll out their CDMA2000 based 1xRTT network nationwide, reports Matt M ...

Matt M from MTekk reports that Telstra will announce CDMA based Pocket PC Phones soon ...

Telstra have officially announced the nationwide rollout of their CDMA 1xRTT next generation data network, based on the CDMA2000 standard. This service - which can provide speeds of up to 144 kilobits per second - will be usable for both mobile phones and PC/notebooks - providing an alternative to dial-up or satellite in rural areas, and providing high-speed data "on the road".

As per our previous report , Telstra are working on a number of new offerings to be made available this year, and our understanding is that this includes the Samsung SGH-i700 (possibly SCH-i700) and perhaps even the Samsung SGH-i600. In our report, we confirmed that the Samsung SGH-i700 Pocket PC Phone is currently being tested for use on Telstra's CDMA 1xRTT network, and that it would likely be released around April, although according to Telstra's press release this may slip somewhat. The testing of these devices seems to be confirmed in part by the press release:

" "We are developing a range of pricing and access plans which will make 1x very attractive to our rural customers," Mr Campbell said."

.. but the supplementary PDF supplied is even more specific.

" Other personal digital assistants (PDAs), PC cards, handsets and devices are currently under test for introduction later in the year. "

It is not certain whether the Samsung i600 and i700 - if or when released - will include an upgrade to Windows Mobile 2003. However it's reasonable to assume that Samsung will consider this, since they would be introducing their phone to a market which has already seen a Windows Mobile 2003 based Pocket PC Phone.

Moving away from speculation, this is great news - providing a viable alternative to GPRS, and one which is robust enough to consider for desktop and notebook use. Although speeds are not as high as the iBurst technology we've previously talked about, it's encouraging to see yet another data offering for those without access to broadband technologies such as ADSL and Cable.