Ericsson announces global scale GPRS Mobile Internet trials

Ericsson announces global scale GPRS Mobile Internet trials - more than 45 operators in GPRS field trials Ericsson is delivering GPRS systems to more than 45 leading-edge operators in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, for GPRS field trials. This significant deployment of Ericsson's full-fledged GPRS field trial systems is putting Mobile Internet ever closer to being in the hands of users. General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) introduces packet data to mobile networks and is a first vital step in the evolution to third generation (3G) mobile networks, fully enabling Mobile Internet applications and a range of other advanced datacom services. Ericsson combines its core strengths in datacom and mobility in its GPRS systems. The Ericsson GPRS field trail systems consist of complete, open standardized systems, including infrastructure, terminals and applications. Operators already announced to receive Ericsson's GPRS systems are included in the 45 operator figure. Ericsson's GPRS system allows operators to conduct extensive evaluations and preparations for their first commercial launch of packet-switched applications. "We're seeing a tremendously strong market demand for our GPRS systems and the applications they enable," says Per Nordlöf, General Manager, Packet Switching Systems at Ericsson Network Operators. "GPRS is key to providing cost-effective and efficient wireless datacom applications, such as web- browsing and other IP-based applications, all of which can be integrated with Ericsson's data backbone solutions." Ericsson's GPRS system will enable operators to offer Mobile Internet and other IP-based applications at speeds ten times as fast as current mobile networks that are optimized for voice applications. Ericsson signed the industry's first GPRS contract in January 1999, and was first to deliver GPRS equipment, in July of this year. Ericsson has also announced the first agreement with a TDMA operator, US-based Rogers Cantel, to provide a platform enabling GPRS. Ericsson is leading the way towards 3G networks with these packet-switching trials, ensuring operators' fast roll-out of services to capture market share and customer loyalty. 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 GSM Systems Phone: +46 70 555 7735, +46 8 764 1011, E-mail: per.nordlof@era.ericsson.se Ericsson driving open standards and new applications Ericsson is working closely together with a range of leading operators to further develop the market for Mobile Internet and other non-voice applications, including deployment of upcoming solutions, such as Bluetooth, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and HiperLAN2. Leveraging its leadership in mobile infrastructure and new enabling technologies, Ericsson has initiated and is driving a range of industry initiatives to further stimulate new applications. The company is running extensive programs to provide applications targeting the specific needs of the Mobile Internet users, such as the GPRS Application Alliance (GAA) and the WAP Forum, with more than 200 members. Ericsson also holds the chairmanship of HiperLAN2 Global Forum, a consortium promoting HiperLAN2, the upcoming worldwide standard for Wireless LAN. In addition to mobile system solutions, Ericsson has a full range of next generation data solutions especially targeting wireline operators, including industry-leading applications for circuit-to-packet migration, Voice over IP, voice over ATM, circuit-switch emulation, and IP core switching. The company holds leadership positions in industry forums and bodies including pioneering in the development of IETF DiffServ, MPLS and RSVP; co-chair of key working groups in IETF and ATM Forum; and active in the Internet 2 Working Group; Softswitch Consortium, ITU, MSF, IETF and IEC.