Another American network migrates to GSM

[Kenster]

Well I believe this should help out AT&T since they have been relying on Cincinnati Bell for their TDMA coverage and I'm guessing it will help out things on the GSM side once the overlay is complete?

Another American network migrates to GSM

Cincinnati Bell Wireless has selected Nortel Networks to plan, design and deliver a GSM and GPRS core wireless data network. Under the terms of the agreement Nortel Networks will provide circuit and IP (Internet Protocol) core networking equipment for an overlay of Cincinnati Bell's existing TDMA wireless network spanning Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

"We are very proud to have been selected to deploy the IP core network that will position Cincinnati Bell to meet growing subscriber demand for wireless voice and data services," said Alan Pritchard, vice president, GSM/GPRS/EDGE Americas, Nortel Networks. "This TDMA to GSM/GPRS upgrade represents another new core IP customer and continued momentum for Nortel Networks as a leading core provider."

Earlier this year, Nortel Networks secured a contract with Eastern New Mexico Rural Telephone (ENMR), a rural provider of wireless services in eastern New Mexico and western Texas. At the end of 2002, CORR Wireless, Alabama's first digital wireless provider; Union, a regional wireless provider servicing subscribers in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah; and Highland Cellular, a Cellular One wireless provider serving West Virginia, selected Nortel Networks to migrate their TDMA networks to GSM/GPRS technologies. In June 2002, Triton PCS, serving the southeastern United States and EDGE Wireless, serving the western United States, selected Nortel Networks for their GSM/GPRS network builds.

GSM and GPRS equipment to be deployed for Cincinnati Bell includes Univity Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN), Univity GSM Serving GPRS Service Node (SGSN), and Univity Mobile Switching Center (MSC). Nortel Networks GSM infrastructure is designed to easily support GPRS and EDGE with only card and software upgrades, which helps minimize capital expenses and protects network investments when migrating to next generation technologies.

Nortel Networks will also provide on-site network support, logistical planning, installation and support services through its "Build, Launch and Transfer" program. This program, developed to minimize the challenges of launching new wireless technology and get the most out of existing network resources, will assist Cincinnati Bell with the transition to the new GSM/GPRS wireless data network.

[northform]

Well, I think that this - all of these companies upgrading to GSM from TDMA - shows a lower cost, if simply initially. Whether or not GSM will be more or less expensive in the long run is certainlly debatable, it sure looks cheaper in the short run.

[Airb330]

Too bad in these rural areas GSM will not be too great. Best example is Alaska (though not mentioned here), analog just goes further in these vast expanses.

[northform]

Well, that has nothing to do with the technology. It just means that whatever carrier services that area doesn't provide GSM service.