<AT&T plans to upgrade its network beginning late next year to a
next-generation technology that should allow such activities as
Web surfing with full-color graphics or listening to MP3 songs
online. >
AT&T, Nokia team on next-generation phones
By John Borland
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
June 26, 2000, 11:45 a.m. PT
AT&T Wireless and Nokia agreed today to work together to develop a new line of
mobile phones capable of high-speed Net surfing, videoconferencing, streaming music
and other next-generation features.
The two companies are looking down the road to the day when upgrades to the wireless phone
networks allow Web surfing at speeds far faster than today's connections.
AT&T plans to upgrade its network beginning late next year to a
next-generation technology that should allow such activities as
Web surfing with full-color graphics or listening to MP3 songs
online.
The new technology will send voice signals using Internet
protocols, so callers also will be able to surf while they're on the
phone.
Like other carriers moving to one of several flavors of
next-generation wireless technology, Ma Bell is still in the process
of pulling together partnerships with phone makers and
infrastructure providers. Several weeks ago, the company
announced a deal with Nortel Networks to work together on a trial
project for the fast Internet-based networks.
The deal with Nokia, the largest manufacturer of mobile phones, will
help boost AT&T's momentum as it moves toward the faster
technology. The deal will focus on developing "enhancements" to the basic next-generation
services, such as audio streaming and videoconferencing using the cell phones, the companies
said.
"This collaboration will help AT&T Wireless Services speed our time to market with advanced
products and services customers will demand in the future," Rod Nelson, chief technology
officer for AT&T Wireless, said in a statement.
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