Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD)

Sending and receiving CDPD packets is based on the principle that computer networks can communicate with each other and route data between them. This principle is called internetworking and is implemented with a special computer called a router. Routing in the CDPD network is managed by the Cellular One Mobile Data Intermediate System (MD-IS) that directs packets of data to the appropriate network via the address in the CDPD datagram. This technology gives a CDPD network great flexibility to route data to business computer networks. Cellular One's CDPD network is connected to Value Added Networks providing a route to thousand of businesses throughout the world.

In practice, when a mobile computer user sends a CDPD packet over the Cellular One CDPD network, the packet is sent over the cellular network to the MD-IS, where it is routed to the appropriate network. When a mobile end user receives a packet of data, the MD-IS routes the packet over the cellular network to the mobile system.

CDPD is based upon network to network communications versus circuit-switched's modem-to-modem communications. For more detailed information on the CDPD network, please contact your Cellular One representative for a CDPD guide.

Pricing

Although CDPD pricing is still evolving, it clearly will be based on the amount of data transmitted; not the duration of the cellular call. Pricing strategies might include charging by the type of application or by a tiered structure based on the amount of data sent. CDPD transmission will be best suited for transaction-oriented applications due to this pricing structure.

Coverage

The CDPD Specification was published in July 1993. Since then a majority of major cellular providers have committed to its deployment. Although ubiquitous coverage will be available eventually, because it is a new technology, cellular providers only have CDPD service in select markets. Cellular One will be deploying CDPD in the first part of 1996.

Industry experts estimate that CDPD will be deployed in all major metropolitan areas within two years. Contact Cellular One at one of the numbers listed in the back of this guide for a copy of the latest CDPD Forum Report Card on carrier deployment.