British Telecommunications (BT) has announced that it has begun technical trials of third generation mobile communications services, based on UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), in collaboration with NEC and Nortel Networks. These trials will strengthen BT`s position as a leading authority on UMTS mobile multimedia communications.
Among several devices to be tested is a mobile phone with built-in camera and video screen, capable of transmitting and receiving data and images at high speeds. The trials at BT`s research centre at Martlesham in the UK, will help the companies involved assess the market for futuristic mobile multimedia, Internet Protocol (IP), data and voice services using prototype UMTS networks and equipment.
Results will be fed into worldwide standard activities to ensure users` handsets work wherever they are, as well as being made available to BT`s subsidiary companies, including Cellnet and global joint ventures.
NEC and Nortel Networks are the first of several companies with which BT is working to strengthen its capabilities in this area. BT expects to conduct additional trials on other aspects of this service. BT will test prototype terminal equipment which will be representative of the first generation of commercially available devices to arrive on the market in the next millennium. It is envisaged that these devices will support a number of innovative mobile multimedia services, including:
the automatic downloading of sports highlights into a user`s handheld mobile videophone;
the ability for field salespeople to view catalogue information in graphic formats over their videophones;
access to e-mail and the Internet via a mobile handset;
the ability to view the latest film trailers and purchase cinema tickets on-line.
Sohail Qadri, BT`s director of mobility, said: "We want to try to simulate as realistically as possible the way real customers will use third generation services as they become available. This means we have not only to certify that the technology works, but more importantly also understand how content providers, wireless operators and customers will interact with each other as mobile multimedia services evolve. This trial will be a key element to success in the UMTS marketplace." Gary Head, divisional director of NEC (UK) Systems, said: "BT has recognised our strong credentials for supporting its work. Our involvement in UMTS systems research and development internationally complements our similar commitment to developing UMTS handsets."
Pascal Debon, president, GSM Networks, Nortel Networks, commented: "We are very pleased to be able to showcase valuable end-user applications in a lead market with a global operator like BT, and to have the opportunity to demonstrate real, pocket-sized UMTS terminals in this trial through partnership with Panasonic. Nortel Networks is also looking forward to bringing its strengths in IP data networking and CDMA experience at this time."
Notes for Editors Third Generation or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) uses the new Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) and time division/code division multiple access (TD/CDMA) air interfaces. The UMTS technology promises data rates up to 2Mbit/s for stationery users with seamless hand over to lower rates for people on the move.
BT has had a presence in South Africa since 1994. Today, BT has an expanding business presence in the rest of Africa. This is part of BT`s strategy of building an international network infrastructure, human resources, partnerships and alliances to enable it to deliver communications services to multinational corporations, their extended enterprises and major national organisations anywhere in the world.
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