Acceptance of the US’s Cellular Digital Packet Data standard for sending data over cellular networks has taken a step forward with the formation of a new Cellular Digital Packet Data Forum, which claims 55 founder members. As well as general promotion of the technology, the group hopes to work towards enhancing and evolving its specifications, with the aim of providing seamless interoperability between services, carriers, and user equipment. The Forum’s first meeting was held at the end of June, where it was decided to aim for the end of the year as the date for releasing version 1.1 of the specification – although exactly what changes are to be made is at present unclear. It was also decided to begin interoperability testing between major carriers in the third quarter, with completion by the year end; an interoperability program for subscriber equipment vendors was also agreed. The Forum’s initial board comprises representatives from AirTouch Cellular, Ameritech Cellular Services, Bell Atlantic Mobile, GTE Personal Communications Services, McCaw Cellular Communications, Nynex Mobile Communications, and SouthWestern Bell Mobile Systems. Other members include AT&T Network Wireless Systems, Bolt Beranek & Newman Inc, Ericsson Radio Systems Inc, General Magic Inc, and Hughes Network Systems Inc.
