AT&T Announces Third-Generation Wireless Technology Tests

Strategic Insights -

AT&T Wireless Services has begun testing third-generation wireless technology, utilizing General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) equipment from Mitsubishi, Motorola, and Nortel Networks at its research center in Silicon Valley. The testbed, open to developers and AT&T engineers, will eventually provide high-speed data transfers at 384 kbps and beyond, making wireless Internet connectivity more convenient and rich for innovation. Industry analysts predict over one billion subscribers will use wireless technology worldwide in the next three to four years, surpassing the number of personal computers sold annually.

Key Takeaways:

  • AT&T has established a testbed for high-speed wireless data transfer using GPRS technology at its AT&T Labs research center in Silicon Valley.
  • The test network will offer speeds of up to 384 kbps, enabling advanced multimedia services, global roaming, and higher transfer speeds than today's dial-up modems.
  • EDGE technology brings together two major digital standards: TDMA in the Americas and GSM in Europe and Asia, covering over 350 million customers worldwide.
  • The next-generation technology will enable AT&T wireless customers to use voice, data, video, and other multimedia services globally from their device.
  • AT&T's focus in California is to work with software developers to create new products and services for the commercial network, which they hope to trial in 2001 and deploy in 2002.

Statistics:

  • Over one billion subscribers worldwide are expected to use wireless technology in the next three to four years.
  • Today, more wireless phones are sold annually than personal computers.
  • AT&T serves over 10 million subscribers, operating one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America.
  • EDGE technology provides global roaming, advanced multimedia, and high-speed data transfer rates of up to 384 kbps.

Sources:

  • AT&T Wireless Services, "AT&T Announces Third-Generation Wireless Capability," June 12
  • AT&T Labs press release
  • At&T Wireless Services, Inc., "About AT&T Wireless Services," AT&T Wireless Services website.