Freescale Semiconductor i.250 Case Studies: CSI Wireless. Case Study March 2004

Transcription

1 Freescale Semiconductor i.250 Case Studies: CSI Wireless Case Study March 2004

2 CSI Wireless In many parts of the world, conventional landline infrastructure is poor or non-existent. Rather than lay costly copper lines, service providers in these regions are increasingly turning to fixed cellular solutions, offering voice and data services over a wireless network with fixed terminals. Since the fixed wireless systems are based on cellular infrastructure, the same voice and data services can be offered. And the same standards are used, which lowers the cost of the systems compared to using proprietary technologies. For example, many of the fixed systems emerging in the Americas use GSM, as the cellular networks do. Since packet data is supported on GSM in the form of GPRS, it is a logical evolution for the fixed wireless systems, allowed the operators to offer data services. CSI Wireless, based in Calgary, Canada, is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of fixed wireless and GPS products. The company introduced a TDMA version of its BaseOne fixed wireless phone in 2002 and in March 2004 followed this with the GSM version. Motorola also brands the BaseOne as the FX800t for distribution exclusively by Brightstar Corporation. CSI Wireless GSM/GPRS Base One CSI Wireless introduced the GSM/GPRS version of the BaseOne handset in March Since many of the TDMA operators in the Americas are moving to GSM/GPRS, CSI Wireless needed a GSM version of its main fixed wireless product. Freescale Semiconductor s* i.250 solution was selected in November 2003 after an intensive evaluation process. This means that CSI Wireless will introduce its new BaseOne GSM product just five short months after vendor selection and so tap into a new revenue stream. The features of the BaseOne GSM/GPRS phone include: Freescale i Innovative Convergence Platform including the DSP56631 Baseband Processor IC, MC13777 Quad-Band GPRS Front End IC, MC13717 Integrated Power Management and Audio Circuit, and the MMM6022 Quad-Band GPRS Power Amplifier Module with Antenna Switch Support for GSM850/GSM900/DCS/PCS quad-band operation 2W power output and strong signals for use in remote areas Simple installation all that is required is an AC power outlet 832 channels 200 number memory, speed dial, auto re-dial, one touch emergency dialing Support for multiple languages through the graphical LCD 30-minute emergency battery backup. Page 1 * The Semiconductor Products Sector of Motorola Inc. became Freescale Semiconductor Inc. in 2004.

3 Target Markets CSI Wireless targets its BaseOne fixed wireless solution on the service providers in developing markets where landline telecommunications infrastructure is poor or nonexistent. For example, CSI Wireless is developing versions of BaseOne for Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In these markets, where the average revenue from each subscriber will be low, the cost of equipment deployment and customer acquisition must be as low as possible. Furthermore, the carrier must be able to maximize the revenue opportunity by providing data services in addition to voice. For example, using the GSM/GPRS BaseOne handset, carriers will be able to offer and messaging services to their subscribers. Subsequent developments of the platform using EDGE and UMTS will support Web browsing and multimedia services. To meet the demands of the service providers in these markets, CSI Wireless uses the following differentiators: All products are extensively tested using accelerated life-time methodologies. Since the handsets may be deployed in rural areas, where carrier field service visits may be infrequent and expensive, product quality is an important purchase decision criteria CSI Wireless unique and proprietary transceiver is designed to provide a high rate of call completion, even in remote areas with poor signal strength Since a consistent and reliable power supply may not be available in remote, developing and rural areas, BaseOne provides battery backup for use when the power is out. Why CSI Wireless chose Freescale SPS Freescale was chosen as the technology supplier for the BaseOne GSM/GPRS product following an extensive evaluation of multiple competing solutions. Freescale provides several components for BaseOne: i Platform Chipset Reference designs on handset GSM software engine with field-certified GPRS technology Development tools such as man-machine interface (MMI) toolkit for rapid user interface development Production test planning services. CSI Wireless started to evaluate various chipsets and modules for its new GSM/GPRS product in April The evaluation included a complete bill of materials (BOM) for each solution, feature evaluation, level of integration required, solution flexibility, MMI environment and support capabilities of the vendor. Freescale s i was chosen because of: High degree of chipset integration Page 2

4 Support for quad band, allowing CSI Wireless to address all 850 MHz markets in the Americas Support for AMR which is required by many service providers in the Americas The MMI platform for rapid user interface development The technology roadmap supporting the rapid migration to EDGE and UMTS products, as well as the integration of USB, Bluetooth and cameras, if required Proven existing protocol stack that is currently running on all GSM networks worldwide The lowest BOM for the complete solution The bill of materials is extremely important to CSI Wireless, since the company targets markets in many developing countries where the cost of subscriber acquisition is a key purchase decision driver for the operators. The i s pricing and high degree of component integration allow CSI Wireless to be very competitive in the markets. Money was also saved in the development of the BaseOne since the protocol stack in the is already running on all equipment providers networks. This means that extensive testing in each carrier network will be significantly reduced. And since the MMI already supports multiple languages and includes the hooks required to support graphical languages such as Chinese and Persian, costs are reduced when developing solutions for specific markets. Freescale was also selected due to the timely and accurate information available, relationships at the engineering and executive levels, and the ability to move into new technologies quickly. Finally, Freescale was also able to not only meet all of the technical requirements and provide excellent support, but also worked with CSI Wireless business plan to help achieve the product goals. About igillottresearch igillottresearch Inc. is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Our clients typically include service providers, equipment vendors, mobile Internet software providers, wireless ASPs, mobile commerce vendors, and billing, provisioning, and back office solution providers. We offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and, ultimately, improve their bottom line. igillottresearch is based in Austin, TX. Methodology For this paper igillottresearch interviewed CSI Wireless representatives to understand the development life cycle of the BaseOne product and the part Freescale played. Page 3

5 Disclaimer The opinions expressed in this white paper are those of igillottresearch and do not reflect the opinions of the companies or organizations referenced in this paper. All research was conducted exclusively and independently by igillottresearch. Page 4