Monet Mobile Networks Launches Nation's First Commercial CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High-Speed, Mobile Internet Service
Monet Broadband Lets Customers Cut the Dial-up Connection and Untether the Internet
SEATTLE, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Monet Mobile Networks, a Seattle-based
wireless Internet service provider, today announced the commercial launch of
Monet Broadband, the nation's first high-speed, mobile Internet service in
Duluth, MN. Monet has built and commercially deployed North America's first,
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO wireless data network giving people the unique combination of
high-speed, mobility and a complete Internet experience.
"People should expect more from today's technology than just a fast
Internet connection -- with Monet people can go outdoors, travel across town,
move from room to room or anywhere in our network, and still have access to
the Internet experience they have come to depend upon from their computers at
home, school or at work," said George Tronsrue III, chairman and CEO, Monet
Mobile Networks. "Monet provides a real value and enhances the quality of
people's lives by giving them the freedom and convenience today that has been
promised for years."
For a flat monthly rate, Monet Broadband offers high-speed, mobile access
to the complete Internet, enabling ubiquitous access to e-mail, contact and
calendar information, download file attachments, streaming video, multimedia,
position location services, live chat and secure access to corporate intranets
and databases. Customers can use Monet Broadband by installing the GTRAN
Wireless DotSurfer(TM) PC card and/or the DotSurfer CardReader for desktops.
The easy-to-install, wireless PC card modem is compatible with desktop, laptop
and handheld PCs. The combination of mobility, network speed and device
flexibility allows Monet to offer residential users and small businesses an
alternative to DSL and cable.
Monet will offer packages tailored for the home or business user with
features like multiple e-mail accounts with access through the web or standard
e-mail packages such as Microsoft Outlook or QUALCOMM Eudora, web hosting
space and efax services.
Monet is deploying a network based on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology, an
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) IMT-2000 third-generation
standard, optimized for data. Monet uses licensed spectrum in the PCS band
(1.9 GHz). Monet's networks support data transmission service giving users a
mobile, broadband Internet experience with average speeds generally ten times
faster than dial-up with multi-megabit peaks. 1xEV-DO is the fastest, most
cost-effective 3G data technology in existence today making available
applications never before practical or possible over a wide area wireless
network. Monet chose CDMA technology because of its clear path to high-speed,
packet-based data transmission and the ability to maximize spectrum
efficiency.
"QUALCOMM congratulates Monet Mobile on the launch of the nation's first
commercial CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network," said Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs, chairman and
CEO of QUALCOMM. "This launch exemplifies what CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology
brings to business and residential users -- fast, affordable wireless access
to the Internet. CDMA2000 1xEV-DO's flexibility, high-speed, 'always-on'
features make it ideal for enabling wireless Internet access in fixed,
portable or mobile environments."
LG Electronics is providing the network infrastructure equipment and
support for Monet's networks. LG is the infrastructure supplier to one of the
world's largest 1xEV-DO network located in South Korea. LG has leveraged its
experience in South Korea to support the commercial launch of Monet Broadband
in the United States. QUALCOMM supports 1xEV-DO with chipsets and system
software, including chipsets for the GTRAN Wireless PC modem cards, which
offer a variety of advanced features.
The commercial launch of Monet Broadband in Duluth expands Monet's service
area in the heartland of America. Monet will upgrade its existing networks in
Sioux Falls, S.D., Fargo, and Grand Forks, N.D., Moorhead, MN and Eau Claire,
WI to 1xEV-DO in November. Monet launched the nation's first 3G, data-only
network in October 2001 in Sioux Falls, S.D. using CDMA2000 1xRTT. The
company offers its high-speed, mobile Internet service to small and mid-sized
markets that have a high Internet penetration, but limited access to
broadband.
About Monet Mobile Networks, Incorporated:
Headquartered in Seattle, Monet Mobile Networks, Incorporated was founded
by telecommunications industry veterans in mid-1999. Monet is a wireless
Internet service provider, offering users high-speed, mobile access to the
complete Internet, e-mail, corporate intranet applications, data and customer
support. The Monet service can be purchased online at www.monetmobile.com and
other authorized dealers. The company's investors include Mayfield, Soros
Private Equity Partners, QUALCOMM, LG Electronics, Intel Capital and Hook
Partners. For more information, please visit www.monetmobile.com or call
1-866-286-6638.
About QUALCOMM Incorporated:
QUALCOMM, Incorporated ( www.qualcomm.com ) is a leader in developing and
delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services
based on the Company's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital
technology. QUALCOMM has licensed its essential CDMA patent portfolio to more
than 100 telecommunications equipment manufacturers worldwide. Headquartered
in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is traded
on The NASDAQ Stock Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.
About LG Electronics, Incorporated:
LG Electronics, Incorporated with its headquarters in Seoul/South Korea
was founded in 1958 as "Lucky GoldStar". Since 1995, the name has been
changed to LG Electronics. A network of 72 subsidiaries spans over
37 countries worldwide. LG Electronics employs over 64,000 people worldwide.
Products are sold in more than 150 countries. LG Electronics is one of the
leading manufacturers of display device, digital appliance, multi-media
products, mobile handset and infrastructure. LG Electronics succeeded in
developing the world's first digital cellular system adopting CDMA (Code
Division Multiple Access) technology. With this system, commercial CDMA
cellular service was launched in Korea in January 1996. LG Electronics is
also one of the biggest handset suppliers to major operators such as Verizon
and Sprint PCS. For more information, please visit www.lge.com .
About GTRAN Wireless, Incorporated:
GTRAN Wireless(TM), Incorporated is a world leader in development and
delivery of high-speed wireless data access solutions. GTRAN Wireless has a
complete line of wireless data products, including PC cards, OEM modules,
fixed terminals and handsets for 2.5G, 3G and Wi-Fi (802.11b) networks.
Starting deployment in international markets, GTRAN Wireless has developed
extensive experience in assisting data centric customers and solving network
deployment challenges. Founded in 1999, the company has 150 employees located
in the US, Canada, and Korea with corporate headquarters in Newbury Park,
California. Details on released products and recent press releases can be
found at www.gtranwireless.com .
For further information please contact Steve Visintainer, VP, Marketing of
Monet Mobile Networks, +1-425-216-2452, svisintainer@monetmobile.com.
SOURCE Monet Mobile Networks
-0- 10/29/2002
/Web site: gtranwireless.com /
/Web site: lge.com /
/Web site: qualcomm.com /
/Web site: monetmobile.com /
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