Qualcomm has announced the successful completion of the first phase of a comprehensive GSM1x technology trial in cooperation with China Unicom. GSM1x is a deployment option allowing GSM carriers to deliver spectrally efficient CDMA2000 1X voice, data and enhanced services utilizing commercial CDMA2000 radio infrastructure equipment while preserving their GSM SIM distribution model, authentication, roaming and GSM back-office systems and processes.

Highlighting the advanced level of wireless developments in China, the GSM1x Phase One trial also included successful testing of the world's first GSM and CDMA2000 multimode handset. The Qualcomm-supplied prototype, QTP6300, supports both GSM and CDMA operation by utilizing the advanced capability of the MSM6300 multimode chip. The QTP6300 was used to demonstrate GSM and CDMA operation with a single UIM, including roaming between GSM and CDMA networks.

China Unicom confirmed its strong interest in the potential of multimode handsets for its commercial network.

"The Phase One trial was a significant step in the progression of next-generation wireless services and demonstrates a cost-efficient and spectrum-efficient means of providing current GSM subscribers with the benefits of CDMA2000 1X," said Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm. "The fact that this trial, a world first, took place in China is testament to the vitality of the Chinese mobile industry, well exemplified by China Unicom, and reinforces the fact that Chinese companies are key players in global wireless development."