3G Traffic Optimised

Alcatel announced its successful participation in the FOMA demonstration provided by NTT DoCoMo and KPN Mobile. Alcatel's next-generation data-aware SDH systems for metro applications enabled the transport of third-generation (3G) mobile traffic between NTT DoCoMo's FOMA 3G commercial systems located in Japan and its base station modem at KPN Mobile's premises in the Netherlands, at speeds up to 40 times faster than today's current standard GSM offers.

The interoperability of Alcatel's transmission systems and mobile operators' 3G wireless equipment allows for optimizing 3G radio transport networks by offering cost-effective and efficient transfer of 3G services, such as videophone and high-speed data services. Interconnection among base stations can be achieved regardless of the continent they are located in and without leasing additional lines from third parties. This means that mobile operators can realize significant savings in terms of reducing capital expenditures, as the network can be expanded incrementally where and when needed.

NTT DoCoMo's 3G wireless systems employ Alcatel's metro Optical Multi-Service Node (OMSN) products equipped with Integrated Service Adapter (ISA) plug-in cards to bridge ATM traffic. The integration of ISA plug-in cards transforms the OMSN products into highly efficient and cost-effective multi-service provisioning platforms, supporting traditional voice and leased-line traffic, and addresses the growing demand for broadband services such as Ethernet, ATM and IP.

"The interconnection achieved will greatly impact the ability of operators to optimize the transmission capacity of their 3G mobile networks, as well as roll out data services to their subscribers quicker," said Romano Valussi, president of Alcatel's optical networks activities. "The trial with NTT DoCoMo, which is at the forefront of 3G solutions and services, demonstrates Alcatel's ability to enable carriers to optimize their networks by delivering any type of service everywhere and improve customer satisfaction"

The testing also confirms Alcatel's strong commitment to the mobile segment, which builds on a uniquely global offering including leading-edge GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS network infrastructure, wireless and wireline transmission solutions, as well as applications and services-enabling platforms.

TODAY'S PRESS RELEASES

WIND Telecom has launched a new service in Italy called SMSurprise, which converts any SMS message into a MMS Picture Message or Animation. The service uses FunMail's Magic MMS Platform to convert common Italian expressions into clever MMS messages starring famous characters such as Snoopy, Dilbert, Garfield and South Park.

With a customer base of 3.5 million, the Jamba! mobile portal is more popular than VodafoneLive! in Germany and thanks to Oplayo's video streaming technology, Jamba! customers can now receive streamed video content straight to their mobile phones.

NTT DoCoMo announced that the companies will launch an on-line payments service, named "DoCommerce," on May 26, 2003, enabling both 2G and 3G SSL-compatible handset users to enjoy mobile shopping and pay online with their VISA, or JCB credit cards.

The new Mobile FCRAMs enable the latest cell phone features, including a built-in digital camera, along with video data streaming and other multimedia services. They are designed to meet the growing memory requirements and high data rates of mobile cellular systems

Agilent Technologies introduced three innovative operations support system (OSS) solutions that collect and analyze GPRS and GSM signaling data to enable wireless service providers to better serve their subscribers by proactively managing their GPRS services.