Ericsson offers operators 3G speeds in existing spectrum with Edge technology

Ericsson offers operators 3G speeds in existing spectrum with Edge technology Ericsson takes another breakthrough step into wireless multimedia with its Edge technology for 3G in existing spectrum. Edge enables services like multimedia e-mailing, web infotainment and video conferencing to be efficiently accessible from wireless terminals. Ericsson is demonstrating its Edge technology at CeBIT. Commercial introduction could start in less than two years. Edge is designed for migration into existing GSM and TDMA networks, enabling operators to offer multimedia and other IP-based services at 3G speeds up to 384 kbps in wide area networks. An important attraction of Edge is the smooth evolution and upgrade of existing network hardware and software, which can be introduced into an operator's current GSM or TDMA network in existing frequency bands. This means GSM and TDMA operators are well positioned to capitalize on high- speed, wireless IP-based services through a staged evolution of their existing networks. Edge can be introduced in steps into the network, starting with high-capacity areas such as dense city areas, airports, etc., and expanded as market and user needs increase. The Edge standard for GSM and TDMA (referred to as 136HS by the UWCC) is expected to be set late this year. Ericsson is already providing, both packet switched and circuit switched, total solutions moving toward 3G speeds over GSM and TDMA networks. GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) technology enables users to get speeds of up to 115 kbps. With the Edge enhanced air interface, these will further evolve to 3G speeds. A packet switched mobile network is also a pre-requisite for an operator to fully utilize the Edge technology. This makes GPRS a vital step towards packet switched mobile networks. Investments in GPRS are also leveraged when introducing 3G capabilities by adding Edge radio access solutions. The Internet handles mobile Web services over a GPRS enhanced network just as a regular wired LAN does. In practice, the mobile network becomes a subnet to the global Internet. This addition of mobility to Web services further increases the business opportunities for operators and the value of high quality service for users. GPRS is the common set of standards for the packet data services in both TDMA and GSM networks. It provides seamless end-to-end Internet connectivity to wireless terminals and will be introduced commercially next year. Ericsson signed the world's first GPRS contracts in early 1999. TDMA and GSM operators will be able to deliver services with 3G speeds within their existing frequency bands using Edge technology. In parallel, Ericsson offers operators WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) systems. WCDMA is designed from the beginning to handle high data rates in wide area networks and is primarily intended for the new frequency band at 2GHz. TDMA and GSM operators may also choose to use WCDMA in existing frequencies based on spectrum availability. Ericsson is currently sharing its 3G knowledge with operators and other stakeholders via experimental systems in Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA and Sweden. These full-fledged systems are being used to experiment with delivery of new services, leveraging Ericsson's more than 10 years of research in 3G technologies. Experimental systems in the US and Canada have a special focus on Edge technology for TDMA operators. Ericsson also has a WCDMA cooperation agreement in China. 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 Jonas Näslund, Product Manager, New RBS Products Ericsson Business Unit GSM Systems Phone: +46 8 757 3176, +46 70 634 6885 Andrew Duxfield, Product Business Development Ericsson Business Unit TDMA Systems Phone: +46 8 5853 1858, +46 70 316 5819 Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/03/18/19990318BIT00040/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/03/18/19990318BIT00040/bit0002.pdf