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NEW YORK--Whether there's a computer inside a phone, or a phone inside a computer, wireless modems will be on the market within a few months (mid-1993) at an initial cost of $1000 or less. The enabling factor is the growing acceptance of the cellular digital packet data, or CDPD, standard. Packet is the key word because packetized data piggybacks on voice, making the cost as little as 20 percent of a cellular voice call. CDPD is also compatible with analog and digital cellular standards present and future, meaning that as cellular systems evolve, wireless modems will not become obsolete. IBM is the driving force behind CDPD, along with the nine largest cellular carriers. CDPD is an open standard and uses idle cellular channels to send packets at 9200 bps over a standard 30-Hkz channel without affecting voice quality. Cellular carriers can implement CDPD with off-the-shelf parts that are added to existing base stations and cell sites. Roberta Wiggins, a senior analyst for the Yankee Group, cautions that the cost of these off-the-shelf parts is yet to be determined, but "will not be cheap." She also adds that the AT&T-McCaw alliance may undermine CDPD if they go for another standard, such as the 2400 baud standard offered by Cellular Data Inc., a start up competitor. "The Cellular Data solution is not as elegant as CDPD, but it does not operate on the premise of idle capacity on cellular systems, which could limit CDPD use," Wiggins explains.