3G MPEG-4 Deployment

US : Burnside Telecom today announced a new desktop cellular terminal that provides phone, SMS text, internet/email communications and remote sensing and control at any location in the worldwide GSM/GPRS network.

A mobile phone SIM card and mains or 12 volt power supply is all that is required to connect the Desktop Mobile to the network. Any ordinary touch-tone phone connected to the Burnside terminal can now be used to make and receive calls directly over the cellular network. So the cost of these calls can be substantially reduced by avoiding the additional charge imposed by landline networks and by using inclusive call minutes available on pay monthly mobile phone tariffs.[1]

SMS text messages can now be composed, sent or received using any type of home or office phone connected to the Burnside Desktop Mobile. Because the terminal is a resource that can be shared, incoming text messages, missed calls and voice mail can be retrieved and disseminated more quickly between a group of people.

The Burnside Desktop Mobile can also be used as a wireless modem. Personal computers can surf the internet and access email at speeds of up to 85.6 kbps using Class 8 GPRS networks. An attached computer can also be used to manage SMS text messages and make backups of SIM card address books.

An actuated alarm, door switch or any other electrical device connected to the Burnside Desktop Mobile can immediately send a user coded SMS text message to any mobile phone. Similarly on receipt of a user coded SMS text message, the Burnside terminal can trigger any type of connected electrical circuit.

Unlike a handheld mobile phone, the Burnside Desktop Mobile is not as vulnerable to loss, theft or damage and can be used as a shared resource by a group of people. When used as a phone it is easier to dial, more comfortable to use for long periods and according to some is safer because the aerial is located some way from the phone handset.

The Burnside Desktop Mobile will appeal to anyone who regularly makes calls between fixed lines and mobile phones including families, teleworkers, small and medium size companies and those who require a back up in case of landline failure. The terminal will also appeal to those in locations where fixed lines are not available, not economical or inappropriate. These users include the citizens of most third world countries, suppliers of mobile payphones, occupiers of remote areas, boat/mobile vehicle owners; emergency/defence/security services, organisers of rural or sporting events, exhibitors in temporary locations, staff on construction sites,............

David Robson, Managing Director of Burnside Telecom said "By connecting the Desktop Mobile to a 2 line phone, one line of which is connected to the landline network, you get the best of both worlds. You can transfer calls or conference between networks and take advantage of one of the new combined landline/ mobile tariffs from companies such as Carphone Warehouse or BT." [talktalk or BT Mobile Home Plan]

A dual band GSM/GPRS version of the Burnside Desktop Mobile is scheduled for delivery in October 2003 at a retail price of £395 excl VAT and delivery. It is available with either a 'cool' white character on blue display or transflective black character on grey green display. Options include a 10db gain directional yagi antenna for fringe area reception, nickel metal hydride uninterruptible power supply, USB and Bluetooth adaptors for alternative computer connection, a range of 2 line telephones and the Robson microPBX.