Wireless Industry Leaders Unite to Deliver High-Speed Internet

Strategic Insights -

Dallas and Bellevue, Wash.-- Samsung Telecommunications America, Inc. (STA) and VoiceStream Wireless Corp. (NASDAQ:VSTR) have announced a multi-year agreement to develop high-speed General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) phones that will incorporate Microsoft Smart Phone Platform (code-named Stinger) and Microsoft Mobile Explorer microbrowser technology. This partnership aims to deliver a superior wireless experience to users, with seamless integration between mobile devices and desktop applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership involves Samsung, VoiceStream, and Microsoft, with Samsung providing devices, VoiceStream offering the high-speed data network, and Microsoft providing seamless integration with desktop applications and the internet.
  • The agreement will result in the launch of various models of Samsung wireless Internet-capable handsets using VoiceStream's all-digital, national GSM network.
  • The partnership will support VoiceStream's nationwide introduction of high-speed data applications using the GPRS system in 2001.
  • GPRS allows for increased data access speeds in wireless handsets and offers customers the advantage of 'always connected/always on-line' access.
  • Possible applications and benefits to wireless users include faster web browsing, email transmission, and video streaming capabilities.
  • Initial handsets will incorporate WAP-based protocols, while subsequent handsets will migrate to a dual WAP and HTML-based microbrowser based on Microsoft's Mobile Explorer (MME).
  • Samsung and VoiceStream are working to develop advanced wireless applications and functions based on Microsoft's Stinger platform, allowing consumers to access Outlook information, such as calendar and contacts, and rich multi-media content.
  • The partnership marks the beginning of a great relationship for Samsung and VoiceStream, with Samsung excited about the opportunities that GSM technology presents in the U.S.
  • Samsung is the largest manufacturer of CDMA handsets shipped in the U.S, with a 276 percent increase in the total number of phone sales to 17.7 million units worldwide in 1999.

Statistics:

  • Samsung led the top five wireless manufacturers with a 276 percent increase in the total number of phone sales to 17.7 million units worldwide in 1999 (Source: Dataquest, Inc.).
  • VoiceStream has roaming agreements with more than 125 of the major operators worldwide, providing service in 70 countries.
  • More than seven million customers are using GSM service in 47 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and six Canadian provinces (Source: VoiceStream Wireless Corp.).
  • VoiceStream operates and uses the globally dominant GSM technology platform, with members in the GSM Alliance, L.L.C. consortium.
  • In North America, more than seven million customers are using GSM service (Source: VoiceStream Wireless Corp.).

Sources:

  • Samsung Telecommunications America, Inc.
  • VoiceStream Wireless Corp.
  • Microsoft
  • Dataquest, Inc.
  • GSM Alliance, L.L.C.