First 3G call made in North America - EDGE
The Third Generation of Wireless Communications Rogers AT&T Wireless and Ericsson Canada Succeed in Making the First 3G North American Call Using new 'EDGE' Technology
Business Wire - February 08, 2000 13:49
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2000-- (NASDAQ:ERICY)
Mr. Francis Fox, President, Rogers AT&T Eastern Canada, Mr. Lionel Hurtubise, Chairman of the Board of Ericsson Canada, Mr. Brian Barry, President and CEO, Ericsson Canada, Mr. David Bornowski, Vice President, AT&T Wireless Services in Dallas, Texas and Mr. Bo Dimert, President & CEO of North America for Ericsson, were joined in conversation today thanks to the new "EDGE" found in third generation wireless technology.
This first was made possible due to the dynamic partnership that exists between Rogers(TM) AT&T(R) Wireless and Ericsson Canada. Jean Rochon, Quebec's Minister of Research, Science and Technology, as well as many business people, took part in the event which also demonstrated the speed and quality of transmissions carried by this new technology.
"For 15 years, Rogers AT&T and Ericsson have invested to ensure that we are ahead of the game when it comes to research and development in the world of wireless communications," said Mr. Fox. "This new technology will revolutionize how we communicate and how we do business, and we want to be the first to bring it to our clients; just as we were the first to offer an analog network covering all of Canada and the first to introduce digital technology in 1992."
"With 3G technology, we will be able to communicate even faster, send even more content, and do both with higher quality. In the next few months we will be developing software which will be the platform for 3G applications. These programs will allow wireless devices to have high-speed access to the Internet or to receive real-time images. They will also facilitate e-commerce applications, not to mention numerous innovations we have yet to imagine," added Mr. Hurtubise.
Minister Rochon emphasized the synergies that have made this innovation possible. "As with the development of most technological innovations, many elements need to be brought together to make demonstrations like today a reality. A strategic alliance between leaders like Ericsson and Rogers AT&T, substantial investment in research and development, a highly qualified workforce and adequate government support have enabled this major advance. I am confident that this innovation will reinforce Quebec's international reputation as a centre for new technology," stated Mr. Rochon.
The strong and tangible commitment between Rogers AT&T and Ericsson Canada will enable the distribution of large-scale services via 3G technology: the ability to buy and sell stocks while talking to your broker from a taxi; checking out film previews on your telephone before reserving your seats at the local theatre; or transferring large files in seconds - all this will be possible, soon.
Rogers AT&T and Ericsson Canada are again at the forefront, in the lead role in this new era of telecommunications.
Rogers AT&T is the largest supplier of wireless communications services in Canada, with more than 2.6 million subscribers from coast to coast. Rogers AT&T provides a complete range of wireless solutions, under the co-brand RogersTM AT&T(R), including cellular, paging and interactive messaging, digital PCS and wireless data services. Rogers Cantel Mobile Communications Inc. (Toronto stock exchange: RCM.B; New York Stock Exchange: RCN) is 51 % owned and operated by Rogers Communications Inc. and 33.3 % owned equally by AT&T Corp. and BritishTelecommunications plc. For more information about Rogers AT&T please visit rogers.com.
Ericsson Canada Inc., a subsidiary of LM Ericsson, Sweden, serves the Canadian market by providing complete communications solutions: wireless systems and solutions; mobile phones; IP and data systems and solutions; and Internet consulting services. In addition, its R&D center in Montreal, the sixth largest investor in R&D in Canada, develops systems for multiple wireless standards as well as technology for future 3rd generation (3G) telecommunications. Ericsson employs more than 1,500 people and has offices in Calgary, Fort McMurray, Mississauga, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Waterloo. For more information about Ericsson Canada, visit ericsson.com.
Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecom world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with the 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.com.
(TM)Rogers Communications Inc. used under license/(R)AT&T Corp. used under license
CONTACT: Rogers AT&T Wireless
Danielle Champagne, 514/825-8855 (cell)
or
Ericsson Canada
Marie Carrier, 514/814-1771 (cell)
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