With GSM network operators currently upgrading their 2G networks to 2.5 network promising subscribers high data speeds and an ‘always-on’ connection, the GRX service will ensure that users have true global connectivity for both voice and data. According to the companies, GRX will provide the global IP backbone needed to interconnect GPRS network operators and provide subscribers with seamless mobile access to the Internet, business applications and corporate intranets as they roam outside their home coverage area.

Overview of GRXs
According to Comforne, instead of building up bilateral links between operators, they can make use of specialized agents that provide a hubbing function. These agents are called GRXs. Each operator can link up with one or more GRXs which are interconnected to provide roaming between operators.

• Built on the Infonet’s global ATM network.
• Designed in full accordance with the IR.34 specification of the GSM Association.
• Offers a high level of security and performance, as the architecture is separate from the Internet, thus making IPSec encryption unnecessary.
• Interfaces with the GPRS network using BGP-4 (Border Gateway Protocol).

"The benefit to the GPRS operator is the capability of multiple connections to the global network via one single supplier, thus providing global mobile Internet services to subscribers, remarked Michel Ferreboeuf, vice president of application services for Infonet.

Closed trials by operators will continue until February at which point both companies will begin marketing the service to GSM mobile operators in 60 countries.