Connect Introduces Next-Generation GPRS Services to M-Operators and Carriers

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NEWS
Issue #2001 - 12 (Mar. 2001)
(Updated on Mar. 21, 2001)

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & APPLICATIONS

Concert Introduces Next-Generation GPRS Services to M-Operators and Carriers

Concert, a BT and AT&T joint venture, has introduced Concert Roam GPRS service that will interconnect mobile networks in 30 countries around the world. The 2.5G technology service will enable carriers to offer their subscribers with GPRS handset access to e-mail, the Internet, corporate intranets, and LAN services while traveling internationally at speeds up to five times faster than the current GSM service, said the company.

Carriers can assess the GPRS roaming service through a single virtual GPRS Roaming eXchange (GRX) connection to Concert’s IP backbone.

Features of Concert Roam GPRS Service

A globally managed MPLS (multi protocol label switching) IP VPN service using Connect IP Select and Connect IP backbone to provide a GPX service.
Service supports the GSM Association IR34 standards for GPX.
Extensive reach to more than 80 GPX points of presence in 30 countries, covering Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Latin America.
Availability will be extended to other locations via Concert Frame Relay Service and peering agreements with other GPX operators, such as Sonera, Comfone, and Telnor.

Working with other GRX operators through the GSM Association GPRS Task Force, Concert hopes that a standardized inter-GRX connection can be adopted. This would greatly accelerate the rollout of GPRS capabilities internationally, the company said.

For more information: http://www.concert.com/initial.asp

Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: We think that Concert has a good idea and right implementation. Roaming functionality is definitely required by mobile professionals who will willingly pay a slight premium, not a hefty one as Iridium/Motorola folks tried. We suggest that a $10.00 per month will be appropriate. As for the implementation, Concert is simply connecting various GSM/GPRS operators through a IP switching hub. We agree that this will accelerate GPRS rollout which we need. This is not a rocket science technology but it is often implementation of simple concepts that bring value to businesses and individual professionals.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.

All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.

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