Ericsson and TIW make first 3G call in Brazil
Ericsson and TIW make first 3G call in Brazil At America's Telecom 2000 in Rio de Janeiro, Ericsson and Canadian Operator TIW (Telesystem International Wireless) performed the first third generation (3G) call in Brazil, utilizing EDGE, a technology designed for migration of existing TDMA and GSM networks into 3G. The EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) demonstration system implements a 384 kbs "wireless bit pipe" to show high-speed Internet access, bi-directional real-time digital video, and high-quality audio using a wide-band speech coder. According to Lars Jerhlander, vice-president for the wireless segment for Ericsson in Brazil, "This demonstration shows how EDGE can enable TIW and other operators to offer consumers extremely sophisticated mobile Internet services, such as multimedia. Less sophisticated services such as e-mail and SMS are possible today, with the existing networks." "TIW brings cutting-edge services to consumers in all our markets," said Greg Shaw, vice-president for TIW. "This first EDGE call demonstrates TIW's commitment to bringing high-quality, innovative services to the Brazilian consumers." TIW has ownership interests in four Brazilian operators: Amazônia Celular, Americel, Telemig Celular and Telet. Ericsson's EDGE demonstration establishes a wireless connection between two virtual EDGE terminals, which enables simultaneous applications, such as voice transfer, video conferencing and downloading files from the Internet. Two simulated 3G mobile devices are partially connected to a wireline network, which at the same time, are linked via EDGE air interface at the high speed of 384 Kbps. As a world-leading supplier of mobile infrastructures for all current digital mobile technologies, Ericsson is ideally positioned to support any operator anywhere to migrate to 3G systems, whatever technology choice - EDGE, WCDMA or cdma2000. 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 Silse Bloise Tel: +55 11 6224 8062, +55 11 9233 9938 E-mail: silse.bloise@edb.ericsson.se About TIW TIW is a rapidly growing, global mobile communications operator with over 2.7 million subscribers in four dynamic geographic clusters. The Company's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TIW") and NASDAQ ("TIWI"). In Brazil, TIW is the strategic and operating partner of the country's fifth largest cellular group, with operations in four regions. TIW is also deploying a pan-European digital specialized mobile radio (ESMR) network through its subsidiary Dolphin Telecom plc., the leading specialized mobile radio (SMR) provider in Europe. Dolphin currently offers ESMR services in the United Kingdom in addition to analog SMR services in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. In Central and Eastern Europe, TIW is the cellular market leader in Romania and recently launched service in the Czech Republic following its award of a GSM 1800 license. The Company is pursuing opportunities in Asia through TIW Asia, an affiliate company established in October 1999 with a capital commitment in excess of US$ 420 million and cellular operations in India and China. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/11/20000411BIT00960/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/11/20000411BIT00960/bit0002.pdf