Fifty Networks Committed to EDGE Deployment

GSA - the Global mobile Suppliers Association, has reported that after recent announcements 50 network operators have now publicly committed to deploy EDGE for delivery of next generation mobile services. EDGE deployments are foreseen in all regions of the world; commercial EDGE services have been launched in North America and Asia, and are expected to be available from several European networks from early 2004 onwards.

EDGE boosts GPRS data speeds by more than 3 times, ensuring better quality and faster services for the best user experience, at incremental cost to the network operator. EDGE stimulates the growth of mobile multimedia services.

The complementary role of EDGE with WCDMA is widely appreciated. WCDMA using new spectrum will serve the major population centres. Many GSM operators who also have new spectrum will implement combined, optimised EDGE/WCDMA solutions and further develop their networks according to customer needs.

Alan Hadden, President, GSA, said "We see in 2003 a huge upswing in interest in the benefits of deploying EDGE, with emerging EDGE-capable devices as a driver. We are convinced that most operators will implement an integrated EDGE-WCDMA network. The cost benefits are compelling."

Deploying EDGE is a business decision ensuring operators the ability to compete, and to safeguard existing investments and assets. GSA believes that EDGE will be deployed in all regions worldwide, providing speed and capacity enhancements to meet global demand for advanced data services. Cost savings from an integrated EDGE-WCDMA approach means less base station hardware and fewer site splits."

Posted to the site on 22nd September 2003