1131 DJ 13-Oct-05 at 08:01:00 08:02
PRESS RELEASE: Rogers Communications To Begin Trial Of 3rd
Generation UMTS-HSDPA Wireless Network Technology And Converged
IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Platform With Ericsson >RG
TORONTO, Oct. 13 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications Inc. today announced that the
Company will begin a trial of its 3rd Generation Wireless services and
applications with Ericsson. During the trial, Rogers and Ericsson will assess
the capabilities of two key 3G technologies:
1. UMTS-HSDPA (Universal Mobile Telephone System - High Speed Downlink
Packet Access) is the current state-of-the-art 3G network technology
based on the world standard for wireless communications - GSM - and is
a natural progression for Rogers' existing national GSM-GPRS-EDGE
network that reaches 93% of the Canadian population. UMTS has already
been widely deployed in markets throughout the world. HSDPA is an
upgrade to UMTS that provides the fastest data rates of any 3G
technology and is expected to launch commercially in 2006.
2. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) is an IP-based service creation
environment that will enable Rogers to efficiently introduce new
multimedia voice, data, audio and video services (Quadruple Play)
across its multiple networks (including mobile wireless, Cable and DSL
and Fixed Wireless). IMS represents a very significant opportunity to
bring the various Rogers networks into a single service environment
that can be presented in an easy to use manner to Rogers' customers.
UMTS-HSDPA promises to provide customers with significantly higher data
speeds (evolving to peak down-link speeds of 14 megabits per second), while
IMS will enable new cross-platform applications, such as IP Centrex with
Mobile Extension, Presence Management (across Cable, Wireless and Wireline),
and Rogers Personal TV with mobile extension, as well as a new service
creation environment to speed the development of new applications in the
market.
"Providing the foundation for broadband wireless services and converged
services to customers is a solid step in moving toward an all-communicating
world," said Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Ericsson. "Ericsson is excited to be working on this endeavour with Rogers,
which has a global reputation for innovation, a high quality network, advanced
service offerings, and a unique asset mix of mobile wireless, broadband data,
digital cable services, telephony, and media properties that provide the basis
for continuing leadership."
"Ericsson has consistently provided high quality wireless network equipment
and service platforms for Rogers and our customers across Canada," said Ted
Rogers, CEO, Rogers Communications Inc. "This trial represents a first step in
creating a unique opportunity to offer customers complete freedom to use,
view, and access the information that matters most to them, when they want and
wherever they are, thereby paving the way for the most innovative and valuable
new services for Canadian consumers and businesses."
Ericsson is a leader in wireless technology research and development and
holds an industry leading position in the development of 3G and IMS
technologies. The Company's long-standing relationship with Rogers provides a
solid foundation for technology trial activities.
About Ericsson Canada
Ericsson Canada Inc., a subsidiary of LM Ericsson, Sweden, serves the
Canadian market by providing complete communication solutions including
advanced Mobile Internet and Wireless Solutions, IP and Data Systems &
Solutions, and Consulting Services. As one of Canada's largest R&D investors,
Ericsson fulfills worldwide mandates in the development and testing of systems
for multiple wireless standards, including technology for third generation
(3G) telecommunications solutions. For more information about Ericsson Canada,
visit www.ericsson.ca.
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet
communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing
innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create
the most powerful communication companies in the world.
Read more at
http://www.ericsson.com/press
About Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RG) is a diversified Canadian
communications and media company engaged in three primary lines of business.
Rogers Wireless is Canada's largest wireless voice and data communications
services provider and the country's only carrier operating on the world
standard GSM/GPRS/EDGE technology platform; Rogers Cable is Canada's largest
cable television provider offering cable television, high-speed Internet
access, telephony and data networking services and video retailing; and Rogers
Media is Canada's premier collection of category leading media assets with
businesses in radio, television broadcasting, television shopping, publishing
and sports entertainment. For further information about the Rogers group of
companies, please visit www.rogers.com.
/CONTACT: Patricia MacLean, Communications Manager, Ericsson Canada, PH:
(905) 206-7928; Heather Armstrong, Assistant Vice President, Communications,
Rogers Wireless Inc., PH: (416) 935-6379
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
10-13-05 0801ET
