Wavecom
announced the launch of the world's first quadband GSM/GPRS module.
Wavecom's WISMO product range now offers the only integrated wireless
module currently available to cover all four GSM/GPRS frequencies (850/900/1800/1900
MHz), enabling manufacturers to make `anywhere, everywhere' global GSM/GPRS
roaming a reality. The technology also leads the way in catering for
the 850 MHz GSM/GPRS market, a breakthrough for Wavecom and the industry
at large.
The
850 MHz frequency band, which was recently opened for GSM/GPRS, enables
new GSM/GPRS carriers and carriers using other technologies (AMPS, TDMA)
to benefit from the global success of GSM/GPRS, and to lay the foundation
for providing 2.5G and 3G services. In the USA, the 850 MHz band primarily
enhances network capacity in high-density areas, such as large cities.
In South America, many countries only have 850 MHz band, limiting accessibility
for manufacturers developing products for other mobile markets. The
opening of the band therefore offers manufacturers significant new opportunities
within these additional markets.
The quadband module, which is expected to be commercially available
in early 2003, will enable handset manufacturers to bring quadband mobile
phones to market quickly and cost-efficiently. Wavecom's target customers
include young and emerging handset manufacturers, who are able to offer
handset products that are uniquely tailored for individual US service
providers. In the PDA market, Wavecom's quadband module enables manufacturers
to stock a common inventory of goods that can quickly be deployed to
serve different regions of the world, all operating on various frequency
bands.
Commenting on the announcement, Aram Hekimian, Chief Executive Officer
of Wavecom, said: "We are very excited to make universal GSM roaming
a reality. Once again, we are demonstrating our commitment to responding
to the evolving needs of wireless application developers, helping them,
in turn, to respond to the needs of their customers. The WISMO concept
is tremendously popular with application developers across a range of
industries, and we are confident that the added benefits of universal
GSM/GPRS roaming and 850 MHz compatibility will further secure its success."
