Ericsson to build third-generation wireless demo facility at U.S. headquarters

Ericsson to build third-generation wireless demo facility at U.S. headquarters Ericsson will build a third-generation wireless demonstration facility at its U.S. headquarters in Richardson, Texas. To showcase UWC-136 technology, AT&T Wireless Services will provide the 1900 MHz frequencies from its D and E Band licenses. The project will demonstrate Internet and high-speed data/video applications, with bit rates up to 384 kbps. It will be ready in the second quarter of 1999. The Texas facility will complement Ericsson's participation in the third- generation (3G) test project in Canada recently announced by the North American Alliance GSM Alliance and Microcell. "The objective of the demonstration facility is to show applications that can run on 3G systems," says Keith Shank, Director, Strategic Marketing and Business Development, Wireless Communications Division, Ericsson Inc. "All of the technology and standards debates are secondary because they will be resolved. With that in mind, Ericsson intends to develop a full complement of 3G applications to ensure our customers have a complete portfolio of products and services to meet their demands in this increasingly mobile world." "This will be a first look opportunity to see some of the benefits that UWC- 136HS will have to offer," said Rod Nelson, Senior Vice President of Technology Development, AT&T Wireless Services. "Many people in the wireless business feel the next 'killer applications' will be contained in the 3G standards, most notably high-speed wireless data. We are working with all of our equipment suppliers to ensure TDMA IS-136 grows as carrier systems and customer expectations evolve." Ericsson feels strongly about the capabilities of the TDMA technologies and we are now ready to take the next step to ensure that the applications are usable and are what the end-user will want," Keith Shank continues. "Ericsson plans to tie the facility into other Ericsson facilities such as its Cyberlab offices in California and New York. This will allow us to create a networked application-sharing environment utilizing Internet-related technologies." Ericsson's 100,000 employees are active in more than 130 countries. Their combined expertise in fixed and mobile networks, mobile phones, and infocom systems makes Ericsson a world-leading supplier in telecommunications. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Annika Eriksson, Director of Business Management North America Ericsson Radio Systems, Cellular Systems - American Standards Phone: +46 8404 46507 Kathy Egan, Vice President, Communications, Ericsson Inc. Phone: +1 212 685 4030 Johan Wiklund, Press Relations Manager Ericsson Business Area Mobile Systems Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@era.ericsson.se