GSM: Ericsson and Telia to further trial new solution combining GSM and IP. Trials will utilize Ericsson's `GSM on the Net' combining GSM and IP technology - Company Business and Marketing

EDGE, On & About AT&T, Nov 2, 1998

GSM on the Net uses small radio base stations to add local-area GSM coverage to enterprise LANs (Local Area Networks), giving users what's in effect their own mini GSM network. With seamless one number subscribers can move between terminals such as GSM phones, PC phones, multimedia terminals or fixed IP phones depending on their communications needs - with no or at low charges - for internal calls.

With a GSM phone users get both local and global mobility. Telia will conduct the trials starting in January 1999 with a selected group of business customers, using the experience and feedback to further tailor the services prior to commercial launch. "GSM on the Net services represents a paradigm shift for our business customers. They will be able to achieve full wireless connectivity over existing IP-LAN infrastructure, with the added benefit of seamless global coverage. Ultimately this technology could replace the traditional office phone systems entirely," says Per Englund, Director of Mobile Business Solutions at Telia. "The integration of the field proven GSM technology with the cost efficiency of IP technology is a powerful combination that will mean tangible business benefits to companies," says Bengt-Ake Ljuden, Marketing Manager for GSM on the Net at Ericsson. Besides providing seamless GSM access, GSM on the Net also supports improving personal and organizational productivity through computer-telephony integration. Potential integrated applications include web-initiated telephony, directory-assisted dialling, unified messaging and advanced conferencing and application-sharing using voice, datacoms and video. GSM is the world's most widely deployed digital wireless communications standard. Ericsson is the leader in GSM, with almost half of the world's 115 million GSM subscribers connected by Ericsson systems. Telia is the leading supplier of telecom-based information services in the Nordic/Baltic region. At the same time, "seamless" pan-European and global services are being realized through powerful alliances and partnerships in Europe and around the world. Annual turnover 1997 reached 46,444 MSEK and the number of employees amounted to approx. 34,000. Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with the freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over.