Device Arena

Leading Dutch operator T-Mobile Netherlands has signed a four-year strategic-partnership contract with Ericsson. The agreement, which follows T-Mobile’s acquisition of Orange in the Netherlands, will result in the continuation and expansion of existing contracts, cementing Ericsson’s position in the Dutch market.

Under the contract, Ericsson will continue to manage end-to-end network operations for the former Orange network. Ericsson will also take on responsibility for streamlining T-Mobile Netherlands’ overall network infrastructure by dismantling the former Orange mobile networks.

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Motorola today announced that it is showing a Dimetra IP TETRA base station with a fuel cell at the TETRA World Congress in Hong Kong. The fuel cell incorporates a reformer so that the base station can run using a water/methanol mix. This would overcome any supply issues associated with hydrogen and makes the fuel cell a viable solution in many more locations and in developing areas of the world. This solution was also shown at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in February 2008, through a fuel cell powered cellular phone.

In mission-critical or emergency operations, TETRA base stations must run continuously to provide secure communications even in times of power outages. Batteries or conventional generator solutions have to be provided as a backup for mains power at critical locations or if the mains power has regular outages. Generators have a number of disadvantages, including carbon emissions and noise. Fuel cell technology is advancing and now offers significant advantages that match the needs for TETRA base stations in challenging locations.

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Motorola announced the commercial availability of the TX32 Decoupled Downstream Module aimed at cable operators looking to offer ultra-broadband triple-play services at greater speeds and lower overall costs. The solution enables cable operators to deliver significantly increased bandwidth to new DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 3.0® cable modems such as Motorola’s SURFboard® SB6120 and SBV6220, while preserving operator investment in legacy DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.x and 2.0 cable modems. The Motorola TX32 will be demonstrated live for the first time in Europe at ANGA Cable 2008.

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If you are an experienced mobile phone user, the ins and outs of wireless devices are second nature. For first-time phone owners, simplicity and ease-of-use are more important than ever. AT&T and Pantech Wireless Inc. today announced the Pantech Breeze™ from AT&T. Available in all company-owned stores and online beginning May 27, the Pantech Breeze is an ideal device for a wide range of users, from novice or first-time mobile phone owners to customers looking to simplify the overall user experience.

At its core, the Pantech Breeze is an uncomplicated mobile phone, specifically designed for people needing an easy way to stay in touch with friends, caregivers and loved ones. From its clean and uncluttered design to its simplified menus, oversized display with large keypad and quick-call keys, the Pantech Breeze includes a host of convenient features in a comfortable, modern design.

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Rumor by LG, exclusively from Sprint, is an affordable and attractive Sprint PCS Vision® phone that helps you manage your entertainment, data, and voice needs in a single device. Available in four stylish color options, Rumor by LG puts the convenience of text messaging in the palm of your hand with an easy-to-use QWERTY slide keyboard and one touch access to messaging through a softkey from the idle screen. Whenever you slide open the phone, it automatically populates the messaging menu for you. Text tones can be assigned to a Contacts entry so you can easily identify the sender. Rumor by LG also offers an MP3 music player and a 4 GB capacity microSD card slot so you can take your favorite tunes with you on the go. Additional features include a 1.3 MP camera/camcorder and Bluetooth wireless technology.

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Verizon Wireless works year-round to prepare for natural disasters or other emergencies, so business customers can rely on its wireless network to keep them and their employees connected, productive and competitive – even when the unexpected strikes.

“Wireless communication is especially important when disaster strikes – whether a natural disaster, community emergency, or an emergency affecting a single business,” said Jack Plating, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless.

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Alcatel-Lucent and Supélec today celebrated the one-year anniversary of the “Flexible Radio” Teaching and Research Chair for Mobile Telecommunications at Supélec, the prestigious French engineering school.

The flexible radio concept will play a vital role in mobile communications of tomorrow. It consists in using software to dynamically reconfigure radio systems to enable the numerous current and future communication standards (WiMAX, 3G and LTE for example) to coexist within a given item of equipment, as well as optimizing the use of radio resources and reducing specific equipment requirements and on-site intervention.

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Motorola today announced that SK Energy in Korea has selected Motorola’s Scalable Dimetra IP TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) network system, along with the MTP850Ex ATEX TETRA terminal, to enhance their operational efficiency and user safety in hazardous environments. SK Energy is the first customer in Asia to use Motorola’s intrinsically safe ATEX terminal.

SK Energy began implementation of the new system in September 2007. Once it is fully deployed, SK Energy employees will have access to the latest digital TRS (Trunked Radio System), which is more spectrum-efficient compared to the existing analogue communications. They will also be able to design and optimize the radio communications network to improve operational efficiency and productivity using cutting-edge digital functions.

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Motorola today announced the introduction of the smallest body-worn TETRA Covert Radio, the TCR1000, that provides fully featured TETRA radio functions to users in covert operations. The new radio in thin form factor can easily be concealed in light clothing and ensures secure communications with encryption features that improve operational effectiveness in the field.

The TCR1000 weighs less than 180 grams and its small, light-weight design helps officers to disguise their equipment during covert operations, allowing them to blend into the crowd. While compact in design, the TCR1000 performs to the same high standards as mainstream Motorola TETRA terminals and offers excellent functionality including options for integrated GPS and end-to-end encryption. It incorporates many innovative features to address the unique requirements of covert radios such as discrete audio, radio control and long battery lifetime.

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Ericsson has signed a managed services contract with leading Brazilian operator Telefónica to maintain its new fiber network. The strategic partnership will allow Telefónica to reduce operational expenditure and focus on its core business.

Under the three-year agreement, Ericsson will supervise and provide preventive and corrective maintenance services for Telefónica’s fiber network in São Paulo state, beginning in April 2008.

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