Ericsson's New Mobile Phones Lead Consumers Into the Future; Mobile Communication Advancements

Business Wire, Sept 23, 1998

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1998--Ericsson Mobile Phones will introduce a new line of phones and wireless data products that will make wireless communication even more convenient with advanced technology, superior design and the ease of use customers have come to expect from a pioneer in digital mobile phones and wireless data communications.

The products introduced this fall will make it easy for people to make calls, send and receive e-mail and faxes, or surf the Internet wirelessly - anytime, anywhere.

"These new additions to our product portfolio in the Americas reflect our continuing commitment to excellence and leadership in this dynamic, fast-paced market," said Hakan Wretsell, executive vice president and general manager for Ericsson Mobile Phones in North America and South America.

New products for the fall include:

-- A new GSM "world phone" enables international travelers to use

their phone in more than 120 countries.

-- The world's smallest phone that works on digital and analog

networks and gives people broad nationwide roaming capabilities.

-- The industry's first snap-on infrared modem for digital phones

makes wireless communication easy and convenient for e-mail,

faxing and Internet access. Two of the new phones have a built-in

infrared modem - another industry first.

-- New futuristic, sporty fashion phones which offer the opportunity

to accessorize attire with a choice of four vibrant colors.

GSM world phone

Ericsson's I-888 World, a GSM world phone, gives international travelers the ability to use a single digital phone almost anywhere they travel.

It works on a network frequency used in the Americas and another frequency used in Europe and most of the world. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the most widely deployed wireless network technology, with more than 100 million users in the world.

In the past, people would have to buy, borrow or lease another mobile phone because of incompatible network frequencies when traveling from one country to another.

International travel also meant carrying numerous phone jack adapters for data communications such as e-mail and Internet access. The I 888 World solves that problem with its built-in wireless infrared modem. In addition, travelers would carry several electrical outlet adapters to recharge batteries. The I 888 World's travel charger has five different plugs that are compatible with the different voltage requirements and electrical socket styles around the world.

"International travelers need a phone that can be used anywhere," said Bjorn Krylander, Ericsson's vice president and general manager, American Standards Business Group. "With worldwide roaming, Ericsson's world phone is the solution international travelers have been waiting for."

Nationwide reach with digital/analog phones

Two new mobile phones make roaming in the Americas easier by combining digital and traditional analog capabilities.

Ericsson is the digital technology leader, and the wireless market is quickly moving toward digital technologies, which provide superior voice quality, calling features and security compared with traditional analog cellular phones. But until carriers complete the transition to digital networks, analog coverage is more widespread in some small cities and rural areas.

Customers have the best of both worlds with Ericsson's new phones -the KF 788 and CF 888 -- that work on digital and analog networks and offer broad, nationwide communication solutions. With analog and digital capabilities, there's no need to worry whether travels will take you where the phone does not work.

The KF 788 is the world's smallest phone that works on digital and analog networks. The palm-sized phone slips easily into a pocket or purse, weighing only 5.4 ounces and standing just 4.2 inches tall. It is a sleek, stylish alternative to the traditional "brick-style" phones from other companies. The new CF 888 is the world's only fully integrated phone that works on digital GSM and analog networks. It offers similar digital and analog capabilities with an added benefit -- a built-in infrared modem.

Wireless data

Ever been in a car, hotel lobby or restaurant and wanted to send or receive a fax or check your e-mail but couldn't because you didn't have access to a phone line? Now, those problems are a thing of the past. Simply place the new world phone or the CF 888 with a built-in infrared modem next to a computer, palmtop or PDA device to check e-mail, browse the Internet or send and receive faxes. The modem transmits data on a beam of infrared light. Perfect alignment is not necessary - the modem will make a connection up to 36 inches away.

Ericsson's new DI 27 is the world's first snap-on wireless data/fax infrared modem. It plugs into the bottom of many Ericsson digital phones to provide the same convenient wireless data capabilities as the built-in modem. The DI 27 is weighs less than half an ounce and is half the size of a matchbox.

"Now, everyone has the ability to easily send or receive e-mail and faxes wirelessly, whether driving down the highway or driving golf balls down the fairway," Krylander said. Ericsson's wireless data solutions free business travelers from cumbersome cables and telephone lines.