Ericsson enhances BellSouth Wireless Data's nationwide Mobitex network in the
U.S.
Ericsson recently completed delivery of an extensive upgrade of BellSouth
Wireless Data's nationwide Mobitex network in the U.S. The contract includes
new enhanced software for more than 1500 base stations and delivery of an
additional 400 Mobitex base stations. The contract is a result of a long-term
commitment by Ericsson and BellSouth to co-operate in continuos development of
the Mobitex network functionality and performance.
The system software upgrade, which was completed in record time, will increase
performance for the growing interactive messaging market and improve radio
coverage both indoors and in sparsely populated areas. More than 1,500 base
stations were upgraded to the latest Mobitex system release in just 15 weeks.
"The entire upgrade went incredibly smoothly," reports Arne Olsson, product
manager Mobitex Network Systems at Ericsson Inc., who worked with BellSouth
Wireless Data's engineers during the upgrade.
"With the new software functionality Ericsson is enhancing the defacto
standard for mobile data. Better coverage, longer battery life and faster
connections are key features that the Mobitex operators will benefit from.
These considerable improvements will open up new market opportunities for new
types of applications with small wearable devices. During the project Ericsson
engineers worked closely with BellSouth and RIM, which developed the new
Inter@active Pager being used for BellSouth Interactive Paging(SM) Service.
BellSouth Wireless Data is making this very substantial new investment in its
network as part of its commitment to remain on the leading edge in developing
and deploying new wireless data products. "This continued, intense commitment
to Mobitex by Ericsson is allowing our company to be at the forefront as
interactive wireless data communications begins to explode across broad-based
markets," said William F. Lenahan, president and CEO of BellSouth Wireless
Data. "From an interactive paging standpoint, the enhancements to Mobitex are
allowing us to execute our strategy to provide nationwide two-way coverage
that is comparable to one-way paging networks in the top 266 MSAs in the U.S
"Ericsson is committed to working for the long term to continuously improve
Mobitex technology," notes Pontus Lindqvist, general Manager of Mobitex
Infrastructure at Ericsson Mobile Data Design. "As global leaders in wireless
communications, our company has the resources and the expertise to ensure that
Mobitex remains on the leading edge. Customers in all parts of the world will
be able to reap the benefits of cooperation between Ericsson Mobile Data
Design and BellSouth Wireless Data."
BellSouth Wireless Data, L.P, headquartered in Woodbridge, N.J., is an expert
in providing proven wireless data communications solutions that eliminate the
barriers between critical information and mobile users. The company, a winner
of the prestigious Sears Innovation Source of the Year and Partners in
Progress awards for 1997, delivers a competitive advantage and increases
personal productivity for aggressive, innovative companies and individuals
leveraging communications technologies to meet their strategic goals.
BellSouth Wireless Data operates its wireless data service throughout the
United States, covering more than 93 percent of the urban business population
located in 266 metropolitan areas with a total population of 200 million
people.
BellSouth Wireless Data is a subsidiary of BellSouth Corporation, which
provides telecommunications, wireless communications, directory advertising
and publishing, video, Internet and information services to nearly 30 million
customers in 20 countries worldwide. E-mail: bellsouthwd.info@bellsouthwd.com.
Web site address: www.bellsouthwd.com.
Mobitex is the de facto international standard for wireless data
communications with more than 100 applications available. Mobitex wireless
packet data network makes information available on the move or in remote
locations. There are public and private operators in Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Canada, Chile, Finland, France, Indonesia, Germany, Italy, Korea, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, and the U.S.
Mobile data is one of the fastest growing segments in the field of mobile
communications.
Ericsson's 100,000 employees are active in more than 130 countries. Their
combined expertise in fixed and mobile networks, mobile phones and infocom
systems makes Ericsson a world-leading supplier in telecommunications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Pontus Lindqvist, General Manager Mobitex Infrastructure, Ericsson Mobile Data
Design, Tel: +46-31-703 6082, fax: +46-31-6033 or e-mail:
pontus.lindqvist@erv.ericsson.se.
John Kampfe, Manager, Corporate Public Relations, BellSouth Wireless Data, US
Tel: +1 732 602-5476,
Fax: +1 732 602-5495
E-post: jkampfe@bellsouthwd.com
Webbsida: www.bellsouthwd.com.
Arne Olsson, Product manager, Mobitex Network Systems Ericsson Inc, US
Tel: +1 973 890 3672
Fax: +1 973 256 87 68
E-post: arne.olsson@ericsson.com
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