MOT GPRS Contract:
Tuesday February 9, 8:08 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Cellnet Selects Motorola to Develop GPRS Wireless Data Network
GPRS technology to deliver true IP capability - a new era in the journey to the wireless information world
SWINDON, U.K.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 1999-- Subscribers to Cellnet, the UK's biggest GSM mobile phone network, could soon be 'surfing the internet' and accessing Internet Protocol (IP) based services from their mobile phones following the announcement that Motorola Inc.'s Network Solutions Sector (NSS) is to deliver GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) capability across the Cellnet network. The $50 million deal includes the development and implementation of a core wireless data network for Cellnet, whose GSM network in the UK has employed Motorola radio systems since 1994.
Cellnet's commitment will ensure a leading-edge competitive position in the UK market. With data traffic over GSM predicted to grow at an impressive rate, Cellnet will have the capability to develop a new market segment, targeting the high value-added corporate wireless data business and the consistently increasing consumer interest in wireless internet-based services. GPRS-enabled applications could include wireless access to a corporate intranet, unified messaging and delivery, browsing the internet, mobile e-commerce (transactions in transit), and automatic synchronisation of wireless and wireline systems and services.
In seeking a strategic supplier for the development of the UK's first mobile data network for business and consumer markets, Cellnet required a best in class, 'end-to-end' solution. Motorola's NSS will provide that capability, from transmission through data and voice networks to market-leading handsets and innovative corporate and consumer end-user applications to provide maximum revenue opportunities for the network operator. Motorola's NSS has allied its unrivalled wireless data and systems expertise with Cisco Inc.'s world-leading internet and IP capability, and the combined technological strengths will build the new world of wireless, internet-based data, voice and video networks.
Motorola NSS's GPRS data network, incorporating Cisco technology, will interface across all existing elements of Cellnet's UK-wide network. Cellnet's deployment of GPRS will be a major strength as the mobile industry moves towards the third generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS) which will provide even more advanced services such as mobile video conferencing.
Full system responsibility for the implementation will be assumed by Motorola's NSS, working with Cellnet to ensure optimum levels of service for the nationwide commercial launch.
Peter Erskine, Cellnet's Managing Director, said: ''Motorola was selected as our core network infrastructure vendor after a rigorous evaluation exercise. GPRS in the UK is the biggest technological leap forward in the provision of data and information services for mobile phone customers, and turns the convergence of the Internet with mobile telephony from vision into reality. The opportunities for our customers are immense.''
Adrian Nemcek, senior vice president and general manager of Motorola NSS Customer Solutions Group said: ''Motorola has over 15 years' experience in the delivery of mobile data networks. This, combined with expertise, leading-edge technology, the power of Cisco's world-leading internet capability, and, in Cellnet, an operator willing to seize the initiative in delivering new market applications for wireless solutions, is an alliance that Motorola is proud to lead. We will ensure that Cellnet can provide unique, differentiating services to its subscriber base by providing the ultimate in best in class flexible network solutions. We are particularly delighted to have won this business with Cellnet, who we regard as the most advanced operator in the UK in terms of its expertise and aggressive plans to enter this new data market.''
- Cellnet offers GSM coverage to 99 per cent of the UK population, more than any other UK mobile phone network.
- Cellnet this month became the only mobile phone operator in the world to offer Clearcall technology. Automatically available and free of charge to all Cellnet's digital customers, Clearcall improves sound quality as it cuts background noise by up to 75%, amplifies callers' speech and cuts acoustic echo. Clearcall works in conjunction with Cellnet's existing enhanced full rate (EFR) technology.
- Cellnet is investing (pound)1 million every day in its network to deepen coverage and increase capacity further.
- Cellnet was voted 'Best Mobile Phone Network' for 1998 by ''What Cellphone?'' Magazine.
Motorola is a global leader in advanced electronic systems and services. It liberates the power of technology by creating software-enhanced products that provide integrated customer solutions and Internet access via wireless and satellite communications, as well as computing, networking, and automotive electronics. Motorola also provides essential digital building blocks in the form of embedded semiconductors, controls and systems. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion.
Editors' notes:
GPRS General Packet Radio Services
GPRS, which has been standardised by ETSI as part of the GSM Phase 2+ development, represents the first implementation of packet switching within GSM, which is essentially a circuit switched technology. Rather than sending a continuous stream of data over a permanent connection, packet switching only utilises the network when there is data to be sent. The implementation of GPRS will bring tremendous benefits to GSM network operators. It brings true Internet Protocol (IP) capability to the GSM network for the first time and enables connection to a wide range of public and private data networks using industry standard data protocols such as TCP/IP and X.25. GPRS is extremely efficient in its use of scarce spectrum resources and enables GSM operators to introduce a wide range of value added services for market differentiation. GPRS is ideal for speed of access to 'bursty' type data applications such as e-mail or Internet services, and can also enable 'virtual permanent connection' to data sources, allowing information to arrive rather than being sought. By upgrading their networks to GPRS, existing GSM operators will have third generation capable networks, as UMTS will use packet switching technology. An early move to GPRS can reduce the eventual investment needed to make the transition to third generation.
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