November 2, 2001
Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and AT&T Wireless Services (NYSE: AWE) today completed the first live EDGE data call using GSM/EDGE technology and a live GSM network environment -- a major milestone for the world's most popular digital wireless standard.
The call was made using the 1900 MHz Nokia UltraSite base station, prototype Nokia EDGE handsets and the release '99 standard that will be available for commercial deployment of GSM/EDGE. The call used EDGE 8-PSK modulation in both directions in the air interface. The data call was made using an EDGE handset connected with a laptop to the Internet for web browsing and streaming applications. Wireless carriers operating GSM and TDMA plan to deploy 3G EDGE in their networks next year.
"Today's call reinforces our technology choice and commitment to bring multimedia wireless services, such as CD-quality audio and streaming video, to our customers," said Rod Nelson, chief technology officer for AT&T Wireless Services. "EDGE is an integral part of our long-term strategy and now other carriers are reinforcing it as the right choice for carriers that want to deliver 3G services both in the U.S. and globally."
EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) is the radio technology that allows operators to increase both data speeds and throughput capacity 3-4 times over GPRS. By optimizing the use of available spectrum, EDGE can achieve transmission speeds up to 473 kbps. Operators building higher-capacity data and voice networks can enjoy considerable cost savings with EDGE by upgrading software in existing GSM/GPRS sites.
"A major benefit of EDGE is that it enables existing TDMA carriers as well as GSM carriers to offer 3G services while still realizing lower costs due to higher spectral efficiency and higher data rates," says Terri Beck, Vice President, Nokia Networks. "Nokia believes that a single network solution offering GSM/GPRS/EDGE and WCDMA will allow carriers to benefit from GSM global economies of scale, including higher revenue streams, increased network efficiency and lower overall costs.
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