The Code Division Multiple Access Development Group has approved a new algorithm designed to improve the quality of voice communications over the wireless technology. Known as the Code Division 13Kbps vocoder, it was approved unanimously by the group’s 43 member firms. The vocoder can be implemented on a single-chip for use in wireless hand-sets, mobile switching centres, or base stations, according to the group, and is said to be fully-compatible and interoperable with existing Code Division systems. The group used AT&T Corp Bell Laboratories’ Speech Coding Test Center in Holmdel, New Jersey to conduct nearly 1,000 tests and says in all cases voice quality was improved dramatically.
