Lucent Technologies says that it will start to support CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology at 450 MHz spectrum - a spectrum band available to support mobile services in Eastern Europe and other markets worldwide.

Lucent's spread-spectrum portfolio includes solutions for W-CDMA (also known as UMTS) and CDMA2000 mobile networking technologies, the world's predominant 3G standards.

"Our CDMA450 solutions can help service providers cost-effectively and quickly introduce high-quality voice and the fastest mobile high-speed data services available today via our support for CDMA2000 1xEV-DO," said Mike Iandolo, vice president of CDMA product management, Lucent Mobility Solutions Group.

"This is another example of how we are leveraging our spread-spectrum expertise to respond to market needs and drive the adoption of 3G mobile high-speed data services worldwide."

Lucent also provides a range of CDMA450 voice and data devices via its alliances with many of the world's leading device vendors.

Lucent has deployed commercial networks in 450 MHz spectrum for Delta Telecom and Moscow Cellular Communications — both part of the SkyLink initiative in Russia — and Zapp Mobile in Romania, and is conducting numerous CDMA450 trials with customers around the world.

"CDMA450 is a compelling offer for analog operators with 450 spectrum - it enables them to dramatically improve the quality of voice calls via the introduction of 3G digital technology, while also enabling them to deliver mobile high-speed data services to many consumers who lack basic Internet access," added Iandolo.

"Lucent's CDMA450 solutions also provide superior coverage and capacity when compared with older analog mobile telephony systems currently deployed in 450 spectrum in many markets, which means mobile operators can cover large geographic areas with fewer base stations."