Ericsson and T-Mobil testing world's first GPRS packet data equipment

Ericsson and T-Mobil testing world's first GPRS packet data equipment Ericsson is first to deliver GPRS equipment. German operator T-Mobil has made the world's first deployment of this new technology for wireless Internet services. GPRS is an important step for operators in the evolution to third- generation (3G) networks, offering mobile users a wide range of new services. Ericsson's General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) system will enable T-Mobil (Deutsche Telekom MobilNet GmbH) to offer wireless Internet and other IP-based services at a speed comparable to today's wireline network speeds. Ericsson GPRS packet-switching equipment, installed in Bonn, is currently undergoing extensive testing, including interworking with other suppliers equipment. T-Mobil plans to extend the scope of these first live trials and offer commercial services already next year. Ericsson and T-Mobil signed the world's first GPRS contract in January. This co-operation will not be limited to the delivery of infrastructure. Ericsson and T-Mobil also intend to jointly develop the market for non-voice applications, including deployment of the latest technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). In the future, T-Mobil's subscribers will thus be able to use a mobile phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or notebook for accessing the Internet, sending and receiving e-mails, or doing e-commerce through the Mobile Media Mode (WWW:MMM). "GPRS is an important step in the migration from today's GSM networks towards 3G. This technology will considerably promote the penetration of new mobile datacom applications," says Karl Alsmar, Managing Director at Ericsson GmbH. "We expect that this first GPRS implementation will attract other operators to install this technology." 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 Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se Per Nordlöf, General Manager, Packet Switching Systems Ericsson Business Unit GSM Systems Phone: +46 8 764 1011; E-mail: per.nordlof@era.ericsson.se Additional Information GPRS is a common step for TDMA and GSM operators to handle higher data speeds and offer 3G packet capabilities. Ericsson's GPRS system is an open standard solution, enabling multi-operator and vendor interoperability. By implementing Ericsson's GPRS, operators can offer wireless Internet services with data speeds up to 115 kbps - a more than tenfold increase of speeds compared to current mobile networks built mainly for voice services. Ericsson has maintained a leadership position in wireless datacom networks for 10 years. Alongside its leadership in 3G communications, the company has delivered dedicated packet data networks to operators in more than 25 countries on five continents. By combining its strength in mobility and continuing to further embrace IP technology, Ericsson's objective is to provide users with anywhere, anytime access to the Internet.