AirTouch, Nortel Networks Demonstrate Wireless Voice, Data Over IP
AirTouch, Nortel Networks Demonstrate Wireless Voice, Data Over IP
Packet Solution Can Lower Costs, Add Revenues for Improved Operating Margins
DALLAS, June 15 /PRNewswire/ - In a significant step toward realization of next generation wireless networks, AirTouch Communications (NYSE: ATI - news) and Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE: NT) have demonstrated wireless voice and data calls over a packet network based on Internet Protocol (IP).
The calls were originated from the Nortel Networks' Wireless Internet Lab in Richardson, Texas using cdmaOne wireless handsets, and routed using IP over a packet backbone network connected to the public switched network for termination at the headquarters of AirTouch Communications in San Francisco.
''We've shown that using an IP core network for wireless voice and data services is more than just chartware,'' said Matt Desch, president, Wireless Solutions, Nortel Networks. ''It's real. It works. We can demonstrate Internet access and services from a standard, unmodified wireless phone. And we can support telephony over the same network with no degradation in voice quality.''
Desch and Arun Sarin, president, AirTouch Communications have participated in live wireless voice-over-IP calls, believed to be among the industry's first. The two companies have also demonstrated wireless web browsing and telnet applications over the same packet backbone using laptop PCs and data-capable CDMA handsets.
''AirTouch and Nortel Networks are working closely together to better understand the dramatic changes ahead for wireless networks, and the architectures required to address them,'' Sarin said. ''More efficient wireless networks based on IP will allow us to bring value and service differentiation to our customers while reducing costs over time.''
By evolving today's circuit-switched wireless networks to Unified Networks solutions based on packet technology, industry-standard servers and third-generation radio, wireless service providers can expect improved operating margins from new, revenue-generating services and reduced operating costs.
Nortel Networks' architecture for delivering the Wireless Internet - or IP-based wireless networks and services - is No.1 among the major global networking manufacturers according to a recent report by the Yankee Group. This architecture is packet based for optimized data carriage, interconnects seamlessly with existing voice and data networks, and is totally independent of air interface.
''With our expertise in networking, radio and IP, Nortel Networks is well positioned to help AirTouch make the Wireless Internet a successful commercial reality,'' Desch said.
AirTouch Communications is the largest wireless company in the world based on the 44 million customers served by its global ventures. AirTouch has 19 million proportionate customers based on its ownership share in cellular, paging, and personal communications services in the US, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, Spain, and Sweden. AirTouch also has an interest in the Globalstar satellite system. On January 15, 1999, AirTouch and Vodafone Group Plc announced a definitive agreement to merge. If consummated, the transaction would result in the creation of a global wireless company with more than 29 million customers in 23 countries.
Nortel Networks delivers value to customers around the world through Unified Networks solutions, spanning mission-critical telephony and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.
Nortel Networks' common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1998 revenues of US$17.6 billion and has approximately 75,000 employees worldwide. |
