New Ericsson GPRS handset fails to connect
By Paul Allen, Network News [29-06-2001]
Ericsson has launched its latest general packet radio service (GPRS) enabled handset to mixed reception from the industry as the painful birth of mobile internet services continues.
The T39 connects to GPRS, or 2.5G, networks. BT Cellnet and Vodafone have networks up and running, with Orange due to launch by autumn.
Transfer speeds are unclear, although original vendor claims of up to 115Kbps have turned out to be pie in the sky.
Ericsson claims that the T39 gives data transfer rates of up to 43.2Kbps, although handsets are totally dependent on the network that serves them.
Mike Crawshaw, head of Orange's consulting group, said trials of its network had indicated speeds of 10-40Kbps, but admitted that 20Kbps is more "realistic".
But it is usability that has marred the launch of GPRS phones from all manufacturers. Small displays with no touchscreen facilities make browsing awkward, and email services have been dubbed unintuitive.
Oliver Nash, managing director of Northiam Films, said: "Scrolling through information is cumbersome and I'd hardly call it 'instant access'. The 2G design works for voice and simple data services."
Sharon Saw, senior analyst at TopSpot, said it would be worth waiting for more advanced handsets.
She said that the GSM Association's M-Services initiative, which aims to establish a standard interface and set of services for mobile handsets, should extend to GPRS, and advised network managers to wait.
"As Ericsson's advanced model is due by Christmas, I don't see the point of the T39 for businesses," she said.
The T39 features Bluetooth connectivity that will let corporate users link to corporate Lans through desktop devices within 10 metres.
Battery endurance is vague, with Ericsson claiming between 2.5 and 11 hours talktime and up to 300 hours standby.
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