Montana's Chinook Wireless going to GSM

[Fire14]

Chinook Wireless Switches From CDMA to GSM

Chinook Wireless has selected Nokia to build a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network throughout Montana, USA. Nokia is supplying the entire radio and core network, along with network services. The companies have signed a five-year supply contract covering equipment, network planning services, deployment services and Nokia Care services. Chinook Wireless will be deploying one of North America's first 3GPP Release 4 network architectures, using Nokia's mobile softswitch solution MSC Server System. Additionally, Nokia is providing a portfolio of services, including network planning, installation, integration, and testing.

"Chinook Wireless is committed to delivering the highest quality wireless voice and data services in the State of Montana," said Jonathan Foxman, President and CEO. "Nokia's GSM/GPRS/EDGE solution will enable Chinook to deliver state-of-the-art digital wireless services. With Nokia's support, we will provide a service that will greatly exceed our customers' expectations."

Nokia says that the GSM/GPRS/EDGE network will replace Chinook Wireless' CDMA network.

"Chinook Wireless has given Nokia a unique opportunity to build a GSM/GPRS/EDGE greenfield network with our industry-leading radio and core network equipment," said Tim Johnson, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Chinook Wireless and bringing Montana residents superior wireless voice and data experiences."

[bobolito]

This is great for roaming expansion.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by bobolito

This is great for roaming expansion.

but the carriers already roam on ALLTEL's more extensive network in the area. Unless Chinook offers cheaper roaming rates, I'm not sure how many carriers will prefer them over ALLTEL.

[bobolito]

So does Alltel GSM cover every single area that Chinook covers?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by bobolito

So does Alltel GSM cover every single area that Chinook covers?

At this point some ALLTEL areas are still AMPS only from the WWCA days, but ALLTEL is working on digital overlays. Once those are done, ALLTEL certainly will cover every single area Chinook covers. The ALLTEL network in Montana is the most extensive network.

[roamer1]

This is the really big news:

Originally Posted by Fire14

Nokia says that the GSM/GPRS/EDGE network will replace Chinook Wireless' CDMA network.

Montana will finally have a GSM carrier that sells service to locals.

IIRC, this is the first instance of a carrier going *from* CDMA *to* GSM. (First Cellular Southern IL doesn't count since they sell both, and transitions related to acquisitions by another carrier, such as Dobson/northern MI, don't count.)

-SC

[bobolito]

I believe other carriers outside the US have gone from CDMA to GSM in the past.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by bobolito

I believe other carriers outside the US have gone from CDMA to GSM in the past.

Yes, that's what TELSTRA is doing in Australia right now I think, for example.

[Bugwart]

When I was in Montana 1 1/2 years ago, getting any signal was a victory. Service is limited by low population.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Bugwart

When I was in Montana 1 1/2 years ago, getting any signal was a victory. Service is limited by low population.

ALLTEL definitely has done a great job, though with building out Montana quite well. Of course there still are some Analog only patches left.

[roamer1]

Originally Posted by bobolito

I believe other carriers outside the US have gone from CDMA to GSM in the past.

I should have qualified that with "US carrier", since you're right. IIRC, a number of Telefonica's acquisitions in Latin America have migrated from CDMA (cdmaOne) to GSM.

I have to wonder what Telstra is doing as far as outback coverage goes if they're turning off their CDMA -- my guess is that they're moving to WCDMA, but I might be wrong.

-SC