Smart gets Edge

Cellular leader Smart Communications, Inc. announced yesterday that it has successfully completed the first test voice and data call in the Philippines using the Enhanced Data Rates for GSM/Global Evolution (Edge) solution for its GSM cellular network.

Done using Smart’s GSM testbed facility and Nokia’s Edge solution, the test call paves the way for the deployment of Edge in Smart’s GSM mobile phone network on a nationwide basis in the near future.

Edge will allow Smart to offer its subscribers high quality network services and wider coverage. Edge has at least three to four times higher voice capacity and data transmission rates than GSM technology in use today.

Smart subscribers will thus be able to soon access more advanced mobile services offerings such as enhanced multimedia messaging, web browsing, data transmission, and video and audio streaming.

"We are pleased to take the next evolutionary step forward in GSM technology, while leveraging and maximizing our existing networks. As we strengthen our market leadership, Smart is also bolstering its technology leadership. With Edge, Smart will set new standards for network services quality for the industry and offer faster, better, more powerful wireless data services," said Napoleon L. Nazareno, Smart president and CEO.

"Smart continues to be aggressive in the delivery of mobile solutions in the Philippines. This agreement further demonstrates our strong relationship and we are very excited about the nationwide Edge rollout," explained Markku Nieminen, account director for Smart, Nokia Networks.

To date, Nokia has supplied Smart with complete GSM systems and solutions. It has also supported Smart in network planning and optimization, among other care services.

Under a memorandum of agreement signed with Nokia recently, Smart will activate Edge in its GSM network upon delivery of the Edge software. Since late 2001, Smart has deployed Nokia GSM equipment such as high-capacity UltraSite and MetroSite base stations that are Edge-upgradeable.

"Smart’s decision to deploy upgradeable systems early on now allows the company to make a smooth quick transition to Edge," said Ramon S. Fernandez, head of Smart’s administration and materials management division.

A natural evolution of GSM/GPRS networks towards advanced mobile services, Edge maximizes the utilization of existing GSM/GPRS networks. It shares the same radio frequencies and time slots.

This common resource allocation strategy is akin to adding another layer above the existing networks with minimum investments, given that a significant portion of Smart’s network elements are already Edge-ready.

New Edge-capable handsets are expected to enter the market soon. Recently, Nokia announced its Nokia 6220 handset, a tri-band (900/1800/1900 MHz) GSM/GPRS/Edge terminal for the Asia-Pacific market. Nokia plans to introduce Edge as a standard feature in most new Nokia terminals.