Ericsson and Powertel will conduct trials of Ericsson's "GSM on the Net" solution for providing business communication services over an integrated GSM- IP (Internet Protocol) network. Once fully developed and deployed, this solution will assure local and global mobility, multimedia capabilities and IP-based advanced applications for businesses and other group users.
Powertel is the first U.S. GSM 1900 mobile operator to conduct trials of Ericsson's GSM on the Net.
Powertel began installing GSM on the Net in December at its West Point, Georgia, headquarters, where the system will be used and evaluated by staff. The first test call was made successfully on Dec. 15. The system will also be connected to the Ericsson office in West Point to test communication over a broader Wide Area Network (WAN).
"Tests such as these will advance our industry beyond current capabilities," said Gowton Achaibar, vice president of network engineering for Powertel. "GSM on the Net will make the often talked about 'mobile office' a reality at a price businesses will like."
With an integrated GSM-Internet Protocol, GSM on the Net uses small radio base stations to add local-area GSM coverage to office LANs, giving users what is in effect their own mini GSM network. With seamless one number convenience, subscribers can use a variety of terminals - including GSM phones, PC phones, multimedia terminals or fixed IP phones - with no or low call charges for internal calls. Users get both local and global mobility with a GSM phone.
"GSM on the Net allows operators to meet the growing need for integrated business communications in a way that combines the proven global mobility of GSM and the cost-efficiency of IP-based communications," said Bengt-Ĺke Ljudén, marketing manager for GSM on the Net at Ericsson.
As well as providing seamless GSM access, GSM on the Net supports personal and organizational productivity through computer-telephony integration. Potential integrated applications include web-initiated telephony, directory-assisted dialling, unified messaging and advanced conferencing and application-sharing using voice datacoms and video.
With more than 120 million customers worldwide, GSM (Global System for Mobile) Communications is the world's most widely deployed digital wireless communications standard. GSM is available in 2,400 cities in North America through Powertel and other GSM carriers. Ericsson is the leading supplier of GSM systems, almost half of the world's GSM subscribers are connected by Ericsson systems.
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
Joe Patterson, Director, Corporate Public Relations Powertel, Inc. Phone: +1 706 634 1493; E-mail: jpatters@powertel.com
Bengt-Ĺke Ljudén, Marketing Manager, Ericsson GSM on the Net Ericsson Radio Systems Phone: +46 8 757 2808 or +46 70 577 1020 E-mail: bengt-ake.ljudén@era.ericsson.se
Johan Wiklund, Press Relations Manager, Ericsson Mobile Systems Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@era.ericsson.se
COMPANY INFORMATION
Powertel, Inc. is licensed to provide wireless PCS services in 12 states in
the USA to a population of more than 24 million people in major cities including Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Jackson, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Lexington, Louisville, Macon, Memphis,
Nashville and Savannah. With service in 32 markets and along major connecting highway corridors spanning seven states, Powertel has the largest contiguous
PCS network in the southeastern United States.
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