Agilent Technologies Introduces First Drive Test Platform for Mobile Data/Internet-based Networks; Solution to Speed Deployment of GPRS and Data Networks Worldwide

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced the industry's first portable drive test platform for general packet radio service (GPRS) and data networks to help network infrastructure providers and wireless service providers quickly find and resolve sources of wireless network problems to speed deployment of data services, a necessity to compete in today's growing mobile Internet market.

The GPRS standard is an overlay on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications network that provides the mobile user with data-transfer rates comparable to those achieved with a traditional modem. The GSM-based networks provide wireless services to over 345 million subscribers across five continents. The GSM system accounts for approximately 58 percent of the world's total wireless market, and 67 percent of the world's total digital wireless market, according to the GSM Association.

"Mobile data/Internet-based services are becoming an important value-added service for carriers around the world," said Eric McHenry, vice president of Agilent's Wireless Network Solutions. "As service providers migrate their networks to deliver these new data services, we intend to provide them with the tools and services necessary to quickly deploy these next-generation networks."

Agilent's GPRS and data test platform offers a true drive test solution, providing end-to-end data testing combined with air interface testing. Users can easily identify and resolve problems to speed network deployment. Agilent's drive test platform will allow the addition of up to four phones to evaluate both 2G and 3G networks simultaneously from the same laptop PC, maximizing each drive test, especially in multi-technology environments. The flexible, scalable drive test platform will also evolve to address the new technology formats required to meet future 3G network deployment goals.

The portable, rugged drive test platform facilitates pedestrian and in-building testing with a convenient, ergonomic backpack and an easy-to-operate pen-based tablet PC.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Agilent's GPRS and data phone-based drive test platform, the E7478A GPRS Drive Test System, is expected to be available Oct. 1, 2000. Prices start at $12,500. Please contact your local sales representative for pricing details.

Additional information about Agilent's wireless solutions can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/find/wireless.> About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With approximately 46,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. In fiscal year 1999, the businesses comprising Agilent, then a subsidiary of HP, had net revenue of more than $8.3 billion.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.