Ericsson & Movilnet sign agreement for Wireless Mobile Multimedia services
Ericsson and Movilnet sign agreement for Wireless Mobile Multimedia services Ericsson and Telecomunicaciones Movilnet C.A. Venezuela have signed a USD 200 million (SEK 1,720 million) frame agreement detailing the technological requirements to continue the expansion of the Movilnet TDMA network. The agreement also covers joint activities for introducing EDGE technology, setting the stage for Movilnet to introduce Third Generation (3G) mobile services. With this new network, Movilnet will be able to offer Wireless Mobile Multimedia services to users in a very competitive time frame and will be one of the first operators in South America to introduce a 3G network. Movilnet began aggressive modernization of their network from analog to digital technology in 1995. This latest agreement is a continuation of the company's strategy of exploiting the capabilities of data applications to offer users increasingly sophisticated and competitive services. "The role of telecommunications will be even more important to our futures, particularly taking into account the demand for mobility, in all aspects of business and private life," says Guillermo Olaizola, President of Movilnet. "Applications development is racing ahead and will be able to satisfy these demands, so operators must also understand these demands and be ready to satisfy their customers in a timely fashion. "This new agreement with Movilnet confirms the strength of the partnership between our two companies. It is especially satisfying to be able to work with Movilnet to prepare the way for introduction of an EDGE Third Generation network and services," says Olle Ulvenholm, President of Ericsson Venezuela, adding that, "TDMA is an excellent and powerful platform for the deployment of multimedia services." Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with 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: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 9261; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Lars Birging, Vice President Business Management, TDMA Systems Phone: +46 8585 31625; E-mail: lars.briging@era.ericsson.se About Movilnet Movilnet is the leading Venezuela provider of advanced digital cellular services and have always been a pioneer in the introduction of new services in mobile communications in Venezuela. About TDMA and EDGE There are currently more than 115 million subscribers using TDMA/AMPS mobile networks -- in close to 100 countries worldwide. More than 30 million of these subscribers in 36 countries are already using TDMA digital services. TDMA already delivers over 85 percent of ITU's IMT-2000 3G functionality and is being further enhanced with EDGE to deliver all 3G capabilities in the existing 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) is designed for migration into existing GSM and TDMA networks, enabling operators to offer multimedia and other IP-based services at 3G speeds in wide area networks. EDGE is one of five terrestrial radio interfaces recently established as the IMT-2000 standard for 3G by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). An important attraction of EDGE is the smooth evolution and upgrade of existing network hardware and software, which can be introduced into an operator's current GSM or TDMA network in existing frequency bands. Thi means GSM and TDMA operators are well positioned to capitalize on high- speed, wireless IP-based services through a staged evolution of their existing networks. EDGE can be introduced in steps into the network, starting with high- capacity areas such as dense city areas, airports, etc., and then expanded into other areas as market and user needs increase. The EDGE standard for GSM and TDMA is expected to be formally set within a few months. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/13/19991213BIT00240/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/13/19991213BIT00240/bit0002.pdf