This annual gathering of GSM operators and technology providers was abuzz with talk about the much-anticipated third generation technology.

However, in light of the industry being hard hit by a global economic slowdown, the posturing was annotated with a healthy dose of realism, according to Lars Godell, a senior telecom analyst with Forrester Research in Amsterdam. He told CNET, "There’s much more realism in the industry now. There’s more of a focus on incremental changes, and just making sure people survive."

• Anoto showcased its new system for sending handwritten messages via mobile phones. Using the Anoto system notes can be written on ordinary paper and be sent as a graphical e-mail, fax or SMS. Services using the digital pen will be launched in Europolitan Vodafone’s GPRS network during the second quarter of 2002.

• Commil Ltd. presented its Cellarion system, a carrier-grade communication infrastructure, that utilizes access points and gateways to enable wireless networking connectivity and mobility to Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices. Ideal for creating a cellular-like Bluetooth network in office buildings and shopping malls.

• Hughes Software Systems demonstrated the capabilities of the first 3G SGSN source code, which helps deliver a shorter development cycle advantage to OEMs.

• IntelliWhere and IBM demonstrated a range of location-based service (LBS) solutions for the mobile workforce. For example, IntelliWhere’s new PDA software solution, IntelliWhere OnDemand, enables remote workers to access data such as intelligent maps, diagrams, asset information by connecting to a corporate geographic information system (GIS).

• Logica announced its new Device Management Platform which provides complete provisioning solutions for mobile devices supporting Microsoft’s PocketPC 2002 and the forthcoming Microsoft Smartphone 2002. The device management platform allows network operators to remotely configure across all mobile devices without being tied to any one brand or infrastructure vendor.

• Microsoft announced deals with Intel and Texas Instruments to develop a standard chipset for the next generation of smartphones.

• Mitsubishi Electronic announced the availability of a color, M-Services compliant mobile phone, the Trium Eclipse, with multimedia download capabilities and GPRS.

• Nokia also announced a deal with Texas Instruments to offer a standard kit of semiconductor hardware and software for smartphones.

• After announcing the successful execution of a UMTS 3GPP packet data call on a form-factor handset, Nortel Networks, Samsung Electronic and PrairieComm demonstrated the data call on a commercial form factor. UMTS packet data provides always-on, high-speed data transmission, which will drive the development of applications such as m-commerce, multimedia streaming and Web browsing.

• Manufacturer of scanning antennas Paratek Microwave, Inc. introduced the DRWiN (Dynamically Re-configurable Wireless Networks) GSM antenna, which supports GSM, GPRS and EDGE network standards.

• Philips unveiled the Fisio 820, which it says will rival Ericsson’s T68. The GPRS-enabled device features a color screen and supports Bluetooth technology and JPEG images, which makes it ideal for multi-media messaging.

• RealNetworks launched a new platform called RealSystem Mobile, which will enable people to listen to audio or watch video from cell phones or other wireless devices.

• T-Mobile and Research in Motion announced that they will work together to market the BlackBerry wireless solution to businesses in Europe though T-Mobile’s distribution channels.

GSM Association Awards
On the eve of the 3GSM World Congress, the GSM Association Awards were handed out.

• Best Infrastructure or Network Solutions Product: Wireless Online (USA)
• Best Wireless Handset/Terminal or Handheld Device: NTT DoCoMo (Japan)
• Best Corporate Wireless Application or Service: Far EasTone Telecommunications Co.
• Best Wireless Application Developer: Network 365 (Ireland)
• Best Marketing Campaign: Orange (France)
• GSM Association Chairman’s Award: NTT DoCoMo (Japan)