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Data transfer rates above 200 kbit/s showcased in live EDGE network in the Alcatel booth at GSM Americas

Alcatel and Royal Philips Electronics have announced the success of a series of interoperability tests performed with Alcatel's EDGE-ready Evolium(TM) network solutions (radio access and core) and Philips Nexperia Cellular System Solution. On show at GSM Americas in the Alcatel booth, the EDGE video-streaming demonstration (using the FTP File Transfer Protocol) is set to replicate the results of the tests.

The tests, carried out on a scale 1 reference terminal in November of this year, achieved a successful uninterrupted download of 30 Mbytes at 220 kbit/s. This is a best-in-class speed achieved in a live EDGE operational environment, and a major improvement on GPRS performance. This achievement provides real promise for the rapidly developing mobile multimedia market.

The test results highlight the availability and the reliability of a complete EDGE end-to-end solution based on both companies' technologies. This is a pragmatic answer to all mobile operators around the world who consider introducing EDGE in their mobile networks in order to attract new subscribers and to generate new revenue streams. These tests also demonstrate the maturity of the solution to mobile handset manufacturers willing to rapidly offer competitive EDGE handsets.

All Evolium(TM) base stations shipped by Alcatel in 1999 and 2000 include an option to seamlessly host plug-and-play EDGE transceivers and since 2001, EDGE has been an integral part of Alcatel's standard product offering. In addition all Evolium(TM) base stations delivered by Alcatel are fully EDGE-equipped at no extra cost. This means that all Alcatel GSM/GPRS mobile infrastructure customers can simply boost their existing network capabilities by upgrading to EDGE as required.

"With Evolium(TM), Alcatel provides GSM operators with a very efficient and future-proof solution to seamlessly introduce EDGE as a natural evolution to existing GSM/GPRS investments," Marc Rouanne, Chief Operating Officer for Alcatel's mobile activities declared. "And for those operators eager to take up the challenge of 3G/UMTS, Alcatel considers EDGE and UMTS as two complementary mobile broadband options. 3G/UMTS best matches the needs of densely populated urban areas, while EDGE corresponds to an additional national coverage, thus paving the way for true nation-wide mobile broadband data services." Rouanne added.