With analysts praising it as “the most potent and practical wireless data standard around,” the CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (1x Evolution-Data Only) standard seems poised to conquer the packet-data world.

The technology enables data to be sent over wireless networks at speeds comparable to DSL or cable modems, and at a cheaper cost per byte than any other 3G technology in development today.

CDMA2000 1xEV-DO-enabled data rates can reach up to 2.4 Mb/s, with average sustained rates expected to be around 300 to 600 kb/s — a marked improvement over today’s cellular rates of 14.4 kb/s.

This week, two wireless infrastructure providers announced solutions based on the much-hyped technology, which was recently accepted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as an international 3G wireless standard. Nortel Networks (www.nortelnetworks.com announced plans to offer CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology, a packet data-based system designed to enable CDMA operators to provide high-speed data service with peak data rates up to 2.4Mb/s. Such capability would position CDMA carriers to provide video and audio streaming, wireless Web browsing, interactive gaming and next-generation wireless multimedia services to an increasing number of users.

“This technology is an essential step in the evolution of CDMA networks,” said Ed Salas, Verizon Wireless vice president of network planning.

According to Steve Slattery, Nortel Networks vice president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology will help drive improved carrier profitability and competitive advantage by positioning them to deliver enhanced, next-generation wireless data services.

Building on market-leading CDMA2000 1X capability, Nortel Networks’ CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution will be enabled through an upgrade to Nortel Networks CDMA MetroCell base station and will help pave the way to all-IP (Internet Protocol) networks and reduced network operating expenses.

Slattery said Nortel Networks’ CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution will be available in the second half of 2002. Nortel is working with 3G infrastructure provider Airvana to jointly develop all-IP 1xEV-DO products for its customers.

Airvana (www.airvananet.com) launched 3G all-IP radio access networking equipment that enables wireless carriers to offer wireless and fixed-data services at unprecedented speeds using CDMA2000 1xEV-DO wireless technology.

“The broadband speed of CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, combined with our innovative all-IP architecture unleashes the economics of wireless data,” said Randy Battat, Airvana president and CEO. “Our all-IP architecture means more rapid deployment, lower operational costs, and new services and revenue streams for wireless service providers — which are extremely difficult to achieve with conventional, voice-centric network designs.”

Beginning Oct. 31, Airvana and partners will demonstrate its commercial CDMA2000 1xEV-DO All-IP network at the CDMA Development Group’s 2001 CDMA Americas Congress in San Diego.

Industry analysts anticipate that the high speeds offered by CDMA2000 1xEV-DO will greatly enhance the wireless data user experience. And, unlike some other 3G technologies, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO doesn’t require most carriers to buy new spectrum. It can serve as a standalone data-only network or overlaid onto existing cellular and PCS voice networks.

“The implementation of CDMA2000 1xEV-DO in North America will shatter the impression that Europe is ‘ahead’ in terms of wireless and mobile capabilities,” said Iain Gillott, iGillott Research founder.