ERICSSON AND WORLDCOM TEAM TO DEVELOP MOBILE INTERNET EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES
Companies work together to help accelerate mobile Internet growth
Ericsson today announced plans to work with UUNET, a WorldCom company and a global leader in Internet communications solutions, to develop Internet services for mobile operators. Ericsson and UUNET have decided to work together on new technology and product developments that will help meet the IP networking needs of mobile operators around the world.
In addition, Ericsson plans to support UUNET's bid to provide a global roaming network for the GSM Association's 400 mobile operator associates. The companies will also work to develop products for General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) migration toward all-IP networks. Ericsson and UUNET plan to perform Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) trials and GPRS trials together this year.
"By combining Ericsson's knowledge of wireless technologies with UUNET's Internet network knowledge, we can offer mobile operators more complete and integrated IP solutions," said Torbjorn Nilsson, Ericsson's senior vice president strategy and marketing. "In particular, those solutions will provide the necessary basis for launching innovative IP-based multimedia services that will be a fundamental driving force for 3G wireless networks in the years ahead."
UUNET's experience as a leader in the delivery of Internet based services will facilitate the resolution of the challenges facing the realization of a mobile Internet. Similarly, Ericsson's experience with all major wireless standards and technologies, coupled with its position as a driving force in standardization and wireless research, provides the insight, technology and vision needed to bring real-time, carrier-class IP based multimedia services to the wireless mass market. Both companies will participate in different mobile Internet forums and standardization bodies.
"We expect the mobile Internet market to grow to at least $100 billion by 2004," said Bob Hartnett, president and CEO, WorldCom Global Accounts and UUNET. "Together with Ericsson we will develop mobile Internet services and technologies that will help drive the next generation of IP business, positioning WorldCom and Ericsson as industry leaders in this burgeoning market."
Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world.
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