France Telecom Go For WiFi Wireless

France Telecom Go For WiFi Wireless

During a press conference at France Telecom R&D's showroom near Paris, the group unveiled initiatives to promote WiFi wireless broadband services. Backed by targeted and progressive investments, France Telecom will enrich existing fixed, mobile and Internet solutions to make the benefits of WiFi technology widely available to businesses, consumers and communities of users.
In order to ensure the long-term viability of new WiFi solutions, France Telecom will guarantee that all offers respect its commitments in terms of security, ease of use, and quality of service.
WiFi wireless broadband technology introduces compelling possibilities for nomadic access to networks: from home, offices or public "hotspots", users with WiFi-enabled devices can easily access all types of broadband services. The development of WiFi will enable new applications for fixed and mobile broadband services by providing a solution that complements existing networks: ADSL, corporate networks, GPRS and soon UMTS.

With its presence across the WiFi value chain, France Telecom will unveil a series of solutions in coming weeks:

- WiFi at home solutions with Wanadoo,
- WiFi solutions for businesses with Oléane, Transpac and Equant,
- WiFi mobility solutions that complement GPRS/UMTS services, thanks to a network of Orange hotspots developed with landlords.

These initiatives are supported by France Telecom's extensive expertise in R&D and engineering for fixed and mobile networks, enabling solutions to be built from a common technology base.

France Telecom commitments for WiFi technology

Security
Reliable security is fundamental to the development of WiFi technology. France Telecom has developed security solutions that limit access to Intranets and corporate networks to authorized personnel thanks to authentication. These solutions also guarantee the confidentiality of information exchanged, notably from hotspots, using end-to-end data encryption.

Ease of use
France Telecom has also focused its efforts on ease of use. Operational teams and researchers have worked upstream to ensure seamless integration of WiFi technology and eliminate problems with complex setup and configuration procedures. The emphasis will be on WiFi packages that integrate connection kits, quick installation guides and technical support.

Quality of service
WiFi solutions will provide the same carrier-class quality of service found in France Telecom's current solutions for fixed, mobile and Internet communications. Procedures for quality of service measurement will be enhanced with WiFi indicators. France Telecom will also develop and market additional solutions that will be compatible with one another, and apply its innovation capabilities to address the expectations of all customers and support the adoption of new applications.

This Press Release Sponsored by AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

TODAY'S PRESS RELEASES

SK Telecom Chief Executive Officer Pyo Moon-soo ( inset ) said the company's roll-out of third-generation (3G) mobile phone service is dependent on the condition of the economy.

KDDI Corp. and Okinawa Cellular introduce BREW, a new application platform for mobile phones, for third-generation (CDMA2000 1x) handsets, which offer high-speed data communications at speeds of up to 144 kbps.

The majority of UK corporate telecommunications infrastructure managers are intent on delaying deployment of mobile data applications until 3G networks are fully established, according to survey findings released today by Intuwave, a leading developer of mobile middleware software and services.

Calypso Wireless announced it has signed a 3-year, $500 million contract with China Telecom, a world class telecom carrier, for the delivery of Calypso's cellular broadband video phones.

In early March customers will also be able to pre-order in-store in 3 UK's flagship 3Store outlets in London and Birmingham and in selected branches of Dixons, The Link, Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U and via a range of independent retailers across the UK. Fulfilment of confirmed pre-orders is expected to begin in mid-March.

-PHONE Co., Ltd. announced today from after early March 2003 it will offer a new "Weather Icon" service that displays weather information on a handset's main display or sub-display to keep users abreast of the weather anytime and anywhere.