Ericsson Takes a Further Step Into Wireless Multimedia
Business/Technology Editors
STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 23, 1998--World's first
live demonstration of wireless multimedia services at data speeds of
384 kpbs over EDGE-enhanced GSM network
Ericsson has successfully demonstrated the ability of a present-
day GSM network to handle wireless multimedia services such as
Internet/intranet, videoconferencing, and electronic mail at data
rates of 384 kbps.
This signifies the world's first live demonstration of a new
evolving technology called EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM
Evolution). This technology is designed to be introduced in existing
GSM and D-AMPS digital networks, to support services that require high
data rates.
This first public demonstration of the EDGE modulation for GSM
was staged as part of an Ericsson GSM Summit in Stockholm. Visitors
were able to see simultaneous voice, Internet/intranet services and
video communications from a prototype EDGE base station at speeds of
384 kbps.
This is the second time in three months that Ericsson has
announced a milestone development in wireless data communications. At
the GSM World Congress in Cannes, Ericsson staged the world's first
live demonstration of another GSM-enhancing technology called GPRS
(General Packet Radio Services). EDGE and GPRS combined will offer
packet data communications at high speeds.
Jonas Nslund of Ericsson Radio Systems said, "This EDGE
demonstration gives a glimpse of what the next generation of wireless
services will offer users. People will be able to take part in video
conferences, surf the Net, send and receive electronic mails, video
clips and high-resolution graphics, all from a portable wireless
terminal."
Commercial introduction of high-bit-rate data communications into
GSM and D-AMPS networks, using EDGE technology, could start by 2000.
EDGE is regarded as a stepping-stone towards third-generation
wireless communication networks that will support services at
bandwidths at 384 kbps.
The EDGE air interface is also the basic component in the 136HS
(High Speed) Third-Generation proposal from the North-American
standardization group TR45.3. This enables the same core radio modem
to be used in GSM and D-AMPS (ANSI-136). Thus, EDGE forms a major step
in the convergence of the two leading digital communications
standards, GSM and D-AMPS. |
