Ericsson introduces TDMA Pro

Ericsson introduces TDMA Pro - enabling private radio features over cellular systems Ericsson has introduced the TDMA Pro value-added service, enabling operators of TDMA (IS-136) networks to increase their product portfolios. Ericsson's TDMA Pro enables operators to offer such features that are usually associated with private radio networks only, features like group calling, first answer, sequential group calling and broadcast messaging, both real-time and pre-recorded -- all over the existing TDMA network infrastructure. Ericsson's TDMA Pro is designed as an addition to cellular switching systems, thus making the Radio Frequency interface transparent between mobile phones and radio base stations. It works with any wireless terminal compatible with the network infrastructure. Group members may be located anywhere in a country or other areas with cellular or public wireline network coverage -- including regular wireline phones. Users are able to define and change calling groups through a web-based interface. Each call group may contain as many as 30 members and each member may belong to as many as 99 call groups. The messaging feature may broadcast to 96 telephone numbers simultaneously. "The TDMA Pro is another example of Ericsson's complete communications solutions based on the TDMA standard," says Walt Deal, Manager of Ericsson's TDMA Total Solutions Group, Ericsson Inc. "It gives users 'radio type' features without the heavy investment in radios. Subscribers get the features of both cellular and radio through standard cellular terminals." There are more than 90 million subscribers using TDMA/AMPS networks in more than 100 countries worldwide. 18 million of these subscribers are already using TDMA (IS-136) digital services. TDMA (IS-136) already delivers over 85 percent of the IMT-2000 functionality and is being further enhanced to deliver all IMT-2000 capabilities in the existing 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands and in the new 2 GHz band. 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 Dominique Jodoin, Vice President Sales & Market Operations Ericsson Business Unit TDMA Systems Phone: +46 8 757 2311 Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@era.ericsson.se