AT&T Wireless, Ericsson make first 3G UMTS voice call in USA
voice call in the United States. The call is part of a testing process to help
ensure AT&T Wireless delivers 3G capabilities to its subscribers on schedule.
The call was made using Ericsson wireless networking equipment, including both
radio access and core infrastructure, at AT&T Wireless' headquarters in
Redmond, Wash. The system was part of Ericsson's volume production of UMTS equipment.
"AT&T Wireless can and will deliver true 3G services to our customers on
schedule, as planned," said Rod Nelson, chief technology officer for AT&T
Wireless. "The testing of this network equipment is part of the confirmation
that we can move from GSM/GPRS to EDGE to full UMTS in accordance with our plans."
"We are proud to be part of AT&T Wireless' leadership in bringing 3G
capabilities to the U.S. market," said Dominique Jodoin, Executive Vice
President and General Manager, Ericsson Inc.
AT&T Wireless and Ericsson are leading the path to 3G capabilities in the U.S.
market today by deploying EDGE-ready GSM/GPRS systems. This path ensures a
smooth evolution to EDGE, then UMTS, a wideband radio technology that provides
mobile users with data rates up to 2Mbit/s. The efficient use of radio
spectrum enables simultaneous access to everything from regular voice
telephony to a range of content-rich, multimedia services. For example, users
will be able to watch a video clip while receiving an e-mail. The UMTS
solution also enables a mix of circuit and packet services, with varying
bandwidths to be delivered at the same time.
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications
through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions
in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful
communication companies in the world.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Michelle French, Ericsson Inc., Corporate Communications
Phone: +1 212 685 4030; E-mail: pressrelations@ericsson.com
Robert Elston, Ericsson Inc., Corporate Communications
Phone: +1 972 583 0982; E-mail: pressrelations@ericsson.com
About AT&T Wireless
AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) is the largest independently traded wireless carrier
in the United States, following our split from AT&T on July 9, 2001. We
operate one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America. With
more than 18.0 million subscribers, and full-year 2001 revenues exceeding
$13.6 billion, AT&T Wireless is committed to being among the first to deliver
the next generation of wireless products and services. Today, we offer
customers high-quality mobile wireless communications services, voice or data,
to businesses or consumers, in the U.S. and internationally. AT&T Wireless
Customer Advantage is our commitment to ensure that customers have the right
equipment, the right calling plan, and the right customer services options --
today and tomorrow. For more information, please visit us at www.attwireless.com.