Ericsson solution chosen for world's first DECT/GSM communications service

Ericsson solution chosen for world's first combined DECT/GSM communications service Ericsson is supplying the core wireless office and terminal products for an innovative new communications service described by BT as the world's first combined DECT and GSM solution for larger organizations. Ericsson worked together with BT to develop the services, which will be available to BT corporate customers from today. The new communications service, launched in the UK by BT this week, is called Corporate Onephone. It is intended for companies with one or more sites, and 120 or more staff requiring mobile communications. The Corporate Onephone concept combines the advantages of wide-area GSM coverage and on-site DECT coverage to deliver calls to users via a single handset and a single number. On site, a single mode (DECT) or a dual mode (DECT/GSM) handset acts as a wireless extension to the company PBX. An on-site DECT wireless office network allows users to move freely about the company premises, with all incoming and outgoing calls passing via the company PBX. Users can roam anywhere in the site, while maintaining communications contact. All main PBX functions, such as call transfer and abbreviated dialing, are available. Only when staff move off site do the dual mode handsets switch to GSM mode, and incoming calls to the user's personal number are automatically routed to the handset via the GSM network. The BT Corporate Onephone service has been jointly developed by BT and Ericsson. Ericsson is supplying the combined GSM/DECT phones - the Ericsson TH688, as well as DECT single mode handsets and the DECT radio infrastructure for the cordless network. The radio infrastructure consists of Ericsson's Mobility Server, a cordless radio exchange with built-in switching functionality which is at the heart of the entire solution, and a network of DECT radio base stations that provides total coverage of the required on-site areas. Cost, efficiency and flexibility benefits This development is of special interest to companies with staff who spend a lot of time away from their desks, on or off site. It is also a service that meets the more flexible working practices that are emerging: for example staff who spend part of their week working from home. Another benefit is that calls made on-site are free as they go via the DECT cordless network. "Companies introducing this Corporate Onephone communications concept will get a range of benefits. Communications efficiency will be improved because calls will reach staff even when they are not at their desks. This means there is less time spent playing 'telephone tag', less need to return calls, and less need for voicemails," said Peter Richardson, Director of BT's Corporate Mobile Solutions division. "In addition, there are significant savings on the costs associated with any moves or changes within the company." "This is a big step forward in combining local and global mobility, enabling people to work anywhere and anytime," said Magnus Karnsund, Vice President and General Manager of Ericsson Wireless Office Solutions. "The solution provided to BT is part of Ericsson's range of Wireless Office solutions, addressing the enterprise market and meeting customer needs regardless of technology." This announcement of Corporate Onephone for large business applications follows the launch by BT Cellnet of Consumer Onephone for residential customers and small businesses. That, too, combines DECT and GSM access in a single handset, also supplied by Ericsson. 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 Paula Wagstaff, Media Relations Director, Ericsson Ltd. Phone: +44 1444 234 354, E-mail: paula.wagstaff@etl.ericsson.se Magnus Karnsund, Vive President & General Manager Ericsson Wireless Office Solutions Phone: +46 8 422 0281, E-mail: magnus.karnsund@ebc.ericsson.se Joshua Van Raalte, Le Fevre Communications for BT Phone: +44 1865 202 666, E-mail: joshua@lefevre.co.uk Lena Hyttsten, Communications Manager Ericsson Wireless Office Solutions Phone: +46 70 246 94 94, E-mail: lena.hyttsten@ebc.ericssons.e ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/06/18/19990618BIT00240/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/06/18/19990618BIT00240/bit0002.pdf