1. HONG KONG — June 12, 2002—Sprint and Nortel Networks have been selected
by the CDMA Development Group (CDG) as sole recipients of the annual 3G
CDMA Industry Achievement Award in Infrastructure Technology Innovation for
their recent CDMA smart antenna trials. Announced in March 2002, these trials
demonstrated improved spectrum efficiency and greater voice capacity for wireless
networks through use of smart antenna technology.
Granted at 3G World Congress in Hong Kong, the award is given by the CDG to
"companies that have introduced network capabilities that allow CDMA operators
flexible and cost-effective solutions for implementing advanced features and an
easy evolution path to future network enhancements." The smart antenna trials
were conducted using a Nortel Networks Metro Cell product platform over a live-
air CDMA wireless network at Nortel Networks wireless facilities in Ottawa,
Ontario. The multi cell technology trial demonstrated a two-fold increase in IS-95
voice capacity.
"The CDG recognizes that the innovation behind the Nortel Networks and Sprint
smart antenna technology trial is an achievement worth the highest recognition
from our organization," said Perry LaForge, executive director, CDMA
Development Group.
"The results of the trial complement our focus on providing highly innovative and
efficient networks, and the CDG congratulates Nortel Networks and Sprint on this
outstanding achievement."
The smart antenna trial was chosen to receive the award by the CDG Selection
Committee, which consists of CDG officers, senior wireless infrastructure
technology manufacturers, and members of the business and trade media and
analyst communities. Fourteen programs were nominated by the industry-at-large
for the Infrastructure Technology Innovation Award.
"Nortel Networks is pleased to be recognized by the CDG for our innovative
wireless infrastructure technology and network vision," said Pascal Debon,
president, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. "In working with carriers and all
of our customers, Nortel Networks consistently seeks ways to reduce infrastructure
expenses while enhancing their networks to increase user value."
"We're honored to be recognized by our peers with this industry achievement
award," said Oliver Valente, chief technology officer, PCS division, Sprint.
"This trial with Nortel Networks is another example of how Sprint continues to be
on the leading edge of wireless voice and data evolution, utilizing next generation
technology that leverages our existing investments to meet and exceed customer
demands."

2. Nortel Networks smart antenna technology is designed to provide double the voice
capacity of CDMA operators' current antenna technology using existing radio
spectrum. Nortel Networks smart antenna, based on Adaptive Antenna Beam
Selection (AABS) technology, allows more voice and data traffic within existing
spectrum. It is applicable to IS-95, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA 1xEV-DO and CDMA
1xEV-DV air interfaces. In addition, no changes are required to air interface or
mobile terminal standards in order to achieve the capacity increase benefits. Nortel
Networks AABS smart antenna solution conforms to CDMA Development Group
Service Operator Requirements for Smart Antenna Technology.
Nortel Networks CDMA technology maximizes existing spectrum and hardware
resources to accommodate subscriber growth and reduce operational expenditures.
Nortel Networks has been a leader in CDMA since 1995. Nortel Networks has
deployed more than 30,000 CDMA base stations for more than 64 customers in 14
countries in varying terrain and population densities.
Nortel Networks has received the following CDG awards in recent years:
Infrastructure Product Innovation Award in 2000 for providing network elements
that allow operators flexible and cost effective solutions for urban, suburban and
rural implementations incorporating advanced cdmaOne features with an easy
evolution path to future enhancements for CDMA2000. This award was shared
with US WEST, Ericsson and Alcatel for the first multi-vendor integrated
wireless/wireline architecture in the United States. Innovative Solutions Through
Teamwork Award in 1998 for its work with Repeater Technologies to standardize
CDMA repeater products.
by Larissa Amrein, Sprint PCS, 913-762-7040ldills01@mail.sprintpcs.com
Jamie Moody, Nortel Networks, Media Relations, ph: 972-684-7167 (ESN 444)
moodyjam@nortelnetworks.com