GSM embraces IP technology
Ericsson and German operator T-Mobil (Deutsche Telekom MobilNet) have signed a contract to implement GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) into T-Mobil's nationwide GSM network.
This packet-switched datacom technology will enable T-Mobil to offer wireless Internet and other IP-based services at speeds up to
115 kbps - a more than tenfold increase of the current network speeds. GPRS is also an important step for operators in the evolution to third-generation (3G) networks.
The contract for T-Mobil's core network implementation fully draws on Ericsson's GPRS architecture that combines robust telecoms and reliable datacoms as well as adds further mobility to IP services.
Deliveries include an Ericsson Packet Switching IP and Router platform, based on an open architecture. This industry first emphasizes T-Mobil's efforts to take a leading role in the wireless datacom market. High throughput data speed is a key ingredient to putting 'legs' on the Internet, opening up a range of opportunities for new services in a wireless environment, including IP-based
services or position-based services.
GPRS is a common step for both GSM and TDMA (IS-136) networks to handle higher data speeds and offer 3G packet capabilities. With this common technology, GPRS and the even faster Edge technology form a major step in the convergence of the two standards.
Added to that, Ericsson will also introduce its Worldphone in late 1999 - handling services over GSM, TDMA and AMPS networks in the same phone.
The company has a long and broad experience of packet-based datacom networks. Ericsson is already the leader in mobile datacom networks. The company has maintained this leadership for 10 years and is now leveraging on these experiences.
The contract with T-Mobil represents a significant step in
Ericsson's strategy to maintain leadership in the New Telecoms World.
Ericsson has delivered dedicated packet data networks to wireless operators in some 25 countries on five continents. For wireless operators Ericsson also offers integrated packet data solutions, like CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) for TDMA networks.
Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with
communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with
freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140
countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network
operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over.
Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: ericsson.se
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Corinna Philipp-Weinelt, Manager Public Relations, Ericsson GmbH
Phone: +49 211 534 1426
Per Nordlöf, General Manager, Packet Switching Systems
Ericsson Business Unit GSM Systems
Phone: +46 8 764 1011; E-mail: per.nordlof@era.ericsson.se
Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@era.ericsson.se
ADDITIONAL GPRS INFORMATION
GPRS technology is optimized for "bursty" datacom services such as wireless
Internet/intranet and multimedia services. One of the main benefits of this
new packet-switched technology is that users are always connected, always on-
line, and may be charged only for the amount of data that is transported.
Users will also benefit from fast and easy access to different services.
Ericsson offers a robust IP end-to-end GPRS solution with open interfaces
enabling integration into multi-vendor networks. The company's GPRS solution
also offers leading-edge security for wireless use of intranet and corporate
LAN services.
GPRS is a smooth add-on to integrate into existing networks. For new
operators, it's also attractive to launch GPRS networks to provide competitive
datacom services.
The company has already taken more than five agreements for another
complementary wireless technology for datacom services: HSCSD (High Speed
Circuit Switched Data), which is especially well suited for real-time services
and transferring of larger amounts of data, such as video-based services.
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