Walt...Any idea what the capacity cost of GPRS might be?
Ericsson and Omnipoint sign first U.S. agreement for GPRS
trial and launch
Ericsson and Omnipoint Communications Services have signed the first agreement to provide GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) in the United States. The companies will conduct field trials of several GPRS applications in the Omnipoint PCS (Personal Communication Services) 1900 MHz network during 1999. Omnipoint expects commercial launch of its GPRS offerings by mid 2000.
Using the existing GSM network, GPRS technology will allow Omnipoint to offer wireless access to Internet and other IP-based services at speeds up to 115 kbps - more than a tenfold increase over current wireless network speeds. GPRS is also an important step toward third-generation (3G) communications.
"Omnipoint has been a leader in offering value-added wireless data services to its customers since we launched commercial operations," said Chris Resavy, senior director of Engineering and Network Operations for Omnipoint Communications. "GPRS is the next step in our data strategy, allowing consumers to have true high-speed access in the mobile environment just as they have at home. Our trial with Ericsson will evaluate network interoperability and other technical issues so that we will be able to offer our customers the best service possible."
"Ericsson's GPRS solution will clearly demonstrate the ability to evolve an operator's existing infrastructure to Third Generation capabilities without major changes," said Skip Speaks, executive vice president and general manager, Network Operators Group, Ericsson Inc. "It will help Omnipoint create new business opportunities by providing their customers with access to the information they need wherever they are."
Several users will share GPRS radio resources, thus using channels and spectrum more efficiently. Packet data also has the benefit of allowing users to remain connected to the data network while paying only for the data volume received and/or sent.
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
Kathy Egan, Vice President, Communications, Ericsson Inc. Phone: +1 212 685 4030
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@lme.ericsson.se
Company Information
Omnipoint Communications is a subsidiary of Omnipoint Corporation. Founded in 1987, the parent company is a leader in commercializing PCS.
Omnipoint currently provides advanced wireless communications services in much of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Michigan, Indiana and southern Florida; it intends to provide those services in additional areas.
The company also develops technology and equipment for PCS and wireless local loop. The company's stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market. Its trading symbol is OMPT.
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