Analyst perspectives on key wireless industry topics including mobile devices, network infrastructure, mobile operators, mobile content, and short range wireless connectivity.

With 2G (or 2.5G) CDMA 1X, simultaneous voice and data is not possible.   If you are using a Treo 650, for example, and you are downloading a web page, then an incoming call will go to voicemail.  You just have to hope that your incoming calls come after the page has downloaded and the data connection quickly times out to allow for those incoming calls.  2G (or 2.5G) GPRS work a little bit better in that you can receive incoming calls while the data connection is up.  Still, if the device is in the middle of receiving data, the call will probably get routed to voicemail anyway.

Now let's look at cellular mobile broadband.  With 3G EV-DO, the incoming call problem is solved.  If you are using a Treo 700p, for example, then you can be in the middle of downloading a web page or some e-mail.  If an incoming call comes in at this point, then you at least have the option to discontinue the data connection so that you may accept the voice call.  This is great since it solves the problem of missing calls while using your smartphone online, but it would be even better if you could be on a voice call while using data simultaneously.  You can do this with 3G WCDMA / HSDPA.

One notable exception: Verizon Wireless is employing CPOP (Circuit Precedence Over Packet data), a.k.a "Data Session Call Waiting".  With the exception of PoC (push-to-talk over cellular) devices, all CDMA 1X-capable devices on Verizon Wireless' network can receive calls while the device is in an active data session.  The data session is discontinued when the call is accepted, but this removes a huge limitation in the use of CDMA 1X (whether it is a 1X device, or an EV-DO device falling back to 1X outside of an EV-DO coverage area).

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Author: Stuart Carlaw
Vice President and Research Director, Mobile Wireless
Posted: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:28:59 EDT

Nokia to Acquire Symbian and Go "Open"
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Vice President and Research Director, Mobile Wireless
Posted: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:55:29 EDT

Clearwire Says 30M subs by 2017
Author: Philip Solis
Principal Analyst, Mobile Broadband
Posted: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:06:34 EDT

The Open Patent Alliance for WiMAX IP - A Potentially Good Thing
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Principal Analyst, Mobile Broadband
Posted: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:02:59 EDT

Femtocell Trials to Start in Singapore
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Research Analyst, Wireless
Posted: Fri, 9 May 2008 05:26:36 EDT