Ericsson and SmarTone launch first commercial GPRS service in Hong Kong
Ericsson and SmarTone launch first commercial GPRS service in Hong Kong Ericsson and communications services provider SmarTone Mobile Communications are launching the first GPRS commercial service in Hong Kong. The new pilot service, characterized by its "always connected" nature and high-speed data transmission, is initially being made available to 100 selected corporate customers. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) introduces packet switching and the Internet Protocol (IP) to mobile networks. Ericsson's GPRS system enables operators to offer mobile Internet and other IP-based applications at speeds up to ten times as fast as current mobile networks which are optimized for voice applications. Ericsson and SmarTone joined forces to score a significant first for the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of a network trial of GPRS in December 1999. Following successful system trialling, Ericsson and SmarTone introduced a live, operational GPRS system into SmarTone's Hong Kong network in May of this year - a world first. "Now that we have the system and infrastructure completely ready as well as well as all backend support in place, we are taking things a step further with a full-scale operation with live customers in preparation for a market-wide launch," said Ian Stone, CEO of SmarTone. For the pilot launch, SmarTone identified corporate customers whose businesses focus on finance services including insurance and stock trading; manufacturing and hospitality services. "Their insights on GPRS and service demand will become extremely valuable for us to further develop and refine our GPRS applications," added Stone. "GPRS is one of the most important building blocks for the new era of mobile Internet, and we are very happy to take a major step in this development, together with our long-term partner, SmarTone," said Kurt Hellström, President of Ericsson. Ericsson has over 50 per cent market share of the GPRS market, with 47 commercial agreements and 44 test systems. The Ericsson GPRS solution is future-proofed for third generation (3G) systems and is compatible with the latest GPRS specifications approved at SMG 31 (Special Mobile Group within ETSI standardization organization). Ericsson recently unveiled the first GPRS phone with Bluetooth, the triple band R520. The R520 supports GSM 900/1800 frequencies, allowing communication on one phone throughout 120 countries on five continents. Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of Mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Ericsson Corporate Communications Press Office, Division Mobile Systems Phone: +46 70 699 9412 E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Leo Leung, Ericsson Ltd. (Hong Kong) Phone: +852 2590 2392, +852 9689 0326 E-mail: leo.leung@ehk.ericsson.se Anita Tsui, Senior Manager, PR & Corporate Affairs Corporate Communications, SmarTone Mobile Communications Ltd. Phone: +852 2594 3770; Fax: +852 2827 8213 E-mail: anita_tsui@hksmartone.com Website: www.smartone.com.hk About SmarTone SmarTone is a premier provider of a wide range of communications services including mobile voice, wireless data, IDD, Internet and broadband multimedia. The Company strives to be a market leader in meeting customer needs for multimedia services anytime anywhere. SmarTone (SEHK: 0315) is a public company and a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong. The Company's major shareholders include Sun Hung Kai Properties (26.4%) and British Telecommunications plc (20%). ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/07/26/20000726BIT00130/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/07/26/20000726BIT00130/bit0002.pdf