To: Caxton Rhodes who wrote (19621 ) 4/16/2002 9:16:02 PM From: Eric L Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 34857 re: EDGE Operators' Forum (EOF) << LOL - try EDGE of the cliff! >> Right! >> B>EDGE Wireless Operators' Forum Welcomes 3G Americas 3G Newsletter 16th April, 2002 The EDGE Operators' Forum (EOF), established as a cooperative project between the major operators and vendors developing and delivering commercial EDGE solutions globally, welcomes the support of the recently established 3G Americas. 3G Americas represents both operators and vendors for the success of the five popular technologies deployed in the Americas, GSM, TDMA, GPRS, EDGE, and UMTS (W-CDMA). With the existing support and participation from the two major global associations involved in the evolution of GSM solutions worldwide -- the GSM Association (GSMA) for operators and the GSM Supplier Association (GSA) -- since the beginning of the EOF program in late 2001, this adds an additional focus on the successful transition of current 800 and 1900 MHz operators in the Americas to the GSM evolved platform, including GSM/GPRS/EDGE/W-CDMA. Chris Pearson, Executive Vice President of 3G Americas stated, "EDGE is a key part of the business and technical strategy of operators transitioning to the GSM platform in the Americas. 3G Americas is pleased to endorse, alongside of the GSM Association and the GSA, the ongoing activities in the EDGE Operators' Forum." "A key role of 3G Americas will be to assist operators in deploying EDGE as well as UMTS for the benefit of wireless customers in North, Central, and South America, " continued Pearson. Leo Nikkari of AT&T Wireless, heading up the team behind the EOF, added, "The additional support of 3G Americas to the existing relationships with GSA and GSMA provides a significant boost to the promotion and market growth of a global GSM-based solution in the Americas to realize a commercial seamless global offer in all major market sectors worldwide." << - Eric -