Falcom Wireless Communications, a leading provider of wireless M2M solutions, has selected Telit’s GE864 module for its new Mambo II tracking and tracing application. The small external dimensions and high performance of the GE864, together with Telit’s unsurpassed technical support, were key criteria in the choice of module for the compact tracking device.

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A cell phone and GPS device for professional and private users in a handy application that fits in the pocket – the enhanced Mambo II tracking solution from Falcom offers it all. The pioneering concept combines the standard functions of a cell phone with GPS technology, setting new standards in personal security and location-based services. The GE864 is the world’s smallest GSM/GPRS quadband module. “With its innovative and high-quality GE864 M2M module, Telit impressed us in the development of further applications,” says Ralf Leipoldt, CEO of Falcom.
 
With its wide scope of potential applications, Mambo II is for commercial and private users. Firstly, the robust device, which measures just 97 x 48 x 23 millimeters, can be used as a cell phone with all the standard features – making calls, writing short messages (SMS) all through a simple menu-guided operation. Mambo II also supports a series of functions for GPS navigation and tracking via SMS, CSD and GPRS. The all-rounder’s true strength lies in the multitude of its configuration options: Rolling GPS display, geo-fencing capability with alarm and an ultra-precise movement detector are just some of the Mambo II’s core functions.
 
The GE864 quad-band GSM/GPRS module from Telit provides the basis for Mambo II’s M2M communication. “Our business is built on our ability to meet increasingly demanding customers. Telit enabled us to meet this challenge through the quality and reliability of their products. With its core competences of scalability, easy integration and investment protection, Telit also plays a crucial role in its customers’ commercial success, driving the development of the M2M industry forward,” says Ralf Leipoldt.
 
From a purely technical perspective, the GE864 is particularly ideal for cost-optimized, high-volume applications such as Mambo II because of its small external dimensions and weight of just seven grams. Just like all the other modules in the GE family, it also features the hitherto unique BGA (Ball Grid Array) assembly concept. “What’s more, Falcom can also build on the technical support and our unique protocol stack with GSM/GPRS network protocols,” explains Alexander Bufalino, Vice President Global Marketing, Telit Wireless Solutions. As the sole proprietor of its module software, Telit is able to work with its customers to coordinate the modules with the requirements of each individual application or market in the shortest possible time. Telit is thus able to respond easily to customization requests. For Telit customers, there is also a tremendous advantage gained from the faster market launch of their products.
 
With its Telit module-based technology and its extensive range of functions, Mambo II is geared in particular towards the needs of the highly promising market for personal safety and remote monitoring of commercial goods. Example applications include the surveillance of disabled people and personal protection of VIPs or employees of a company. Other areas of application include fleet management and use in personal navigation systems. Thanks to its wealth of configuration options, Mambo II is ideal for both professional and private users – either as a digital tachometer for sports enthusiasts or as a “watchful companion” for children.
 
Falcom decided back in July 2006 on Telit as its technology partner. This long-term cooperation agreement means additional synergies for both companies. Telit gives Falcom access to groundbreaking M2M module technologies. The multi-national wireless expert Telit Communications, on the other hand, can reach numerous niche markets through Falcom. “The cooperation agreement is a further important step for Telit in its role as challenger on the global M2M market. Thanks to Falcom’s broad portfolio of applications, Telit is able to expand its position in the industrial and consumer markets further,” says Dominikus Hierl, President Telit Wireless Solutions.

NEC Electronics Corporation and Telegent Systems, a speicalist in advanced RF and digital signal processing technologies for Mobile TV in cellular phones and other portable media devices, have announced that the companies will be showing a Mobile TV over-the-air technology demonstration at 3GSM.

NEC Electronics’ application processor and Telegent Systems’ TV-on-a-Chip together enable simultaneous, high definition multimedia capabilities that today’s mobile power users require – all with extremely low power consumption. The demonstration will show superior video reception, high-performance video processing, and low power consumption (maximizes battery life) on the cellular phone platform, making Mobile TV a reality today.

“We are very pleased to be working with Telegent Systems, a leader in mobile TV solutions,” stated Masakazu Yamashina, general manager, Mobile Systems Division, NEC Electronics Corporation. “This solution will help mobile phone manufacturers more easily develop handsets with Mobile TV capabilities.”

“NEC Electronics’ adoption of Telegent Systems’ Mobile TV solution demonstrates the benefits of free-to-air Mobile TV in top-tier handset providers,” said Weijie Yun, president and CEO, Telegent Systems, Inc. “We look forward to working with them on future generations of products.”

Telegent Systems’ solutions are based on the company’s SureTrak technology, which integrates all major Mobile TV receiver functionalities, from antenna input to digital video output. The SureTrak technology vastly reduces the power consumption, and allows up to 4.5 hours of viewing time on cell phones. Through its Multipath and Doppler compensation algorithm, SureTrak preserves the video quality in a mobile environment, and has been proven to be robust at speeds in excess of 430km per hour (265 miles per hour), while maintaining audio fidelity.

On2 Technologies, a leader in video compression software and solutions, has announced that it will showcase new innovations for driving popular User Generated Content and other Internet Flash video to mobile phones and other embedded video platforms at 3GSM World Congress.

As part of its broad showcase, On2 will also feature solutions based on its  VP7 advanced video compression, including its TrueMobile system for highly efficient end-to-end mobile video and high-definition video playback on low-power devices.

Flash video for Mobile: A ubiquitous Flash video experience will be demonstrated with Flash video playback on mobile handsets and embedded processors for set top boxes and other portable and mobile devices. Flash video based on On2’s VP6 compression schemes licensed by Adobe for Flash Player 8 and later, is the predominant format for Internet video.

“Flash Video is the fastest growing video format on the Internet and is poised to transform the user experience on mobile handsets and consumer devices,” said Francisco Kattan, director for product marketing and developer relations, Mobile and Devices at Adobe. “We are working closely with On2 and other partners in the mobile market to bring highly optimized Flash Video solutions to such devices and are excited about On2’s showcase at 3GSM offering an early glimpse of what lies ahead in 2007.”

Mobile video for 2.5G and beyond: On2’s TrueMobile system promises mobile video for the largest number of handsets across the most networks, including 2.5G, 3G and 4G networks. TrueMobile offers the most efficient and affordable mobile video system for carriers and media companies at data rates as low as 20kbps, and with an over-the-air upgrade to convert most popular data-enabled phones to TrueMobile video phones. On2 will demonstrate the capabilities of its award-winning VP7 advanced compression schemes used in TrueMobile and also demonstrate VP7’s high-definition capabilities at data rates as low as 2Mbps for bandwidth constrained networks and low-power devices.

On2 will also debut a new transcoder that converts Flash video and other popular formats to 3GPP format for bringing popular web video content to 3GPP handsets.

“The plethora of mobile video offerings from On2 at the 3GSM World Congress address all the relevant issues mobile media companies and carriers are facing around mobile video — from user generated content, to bandwidth conservation, and purposing Internet video content to popular 3GPP handsets,” said Bill Joll, president and CEO of On2 Technologies. “We are uniquely addressing each aspect of this burgeoning market with proven technologies and compelling solutions for current market needs and longer term growth opportunities.”

At 3GSM, Telepo and Global IP Solutions will jointly showcase next-generation multimedia communication solutions for enterprises where mobility and usability are key elements. The software based solution is developed by Telepo and Global IP Solution’s technique is enabling superior voice quality.

The convergence of business communication has taken off dramatically and 2007 is predicted to be the year of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). In order for FMC to reach further market acceptance, the solutions have to be easy to use and encompass the companies growing mobile workforces.

Users are creatures of their habits, wanting a consistent look and feel across devices, along with seamless integration of enterprise applications and simple access to any services.  Armed with the ability to access data and any communication services from anywhere, at any time, using any device, mobile workers will quickly demand even more from converged communication. Voice is one of the most challenging medium for communications as quality is paramount.

Telepo’s innovative solution has been specifically developed with ease-of-use as its key feature for both the individual and IT manager. Central to its design is an intuitive user interface and single identity, which enables a consistent look and feel across devices. Without this, solutions will fail to gain user acceptance and enable true mobility. Telepo’s solutions are built on open standards, such as SIP and Linux, enabling integration with existing and legacy mixed-vendor (PBX) infrastructures, without additional investments and providing a migration path to all-IP communications.

Global IP Solutions has established itself as the de facto standard in the embedded voice-processing market. The company has additionally expanded its technology leadership by offering focused enterprise applications that extend the functionality of voice based enterprise solutions.

Pangean Technologies, a specialist in instant communications solutions for the enterprise, government, and educational markets, has announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with Opencode Systems, a telecommunications open systems solution provider for the mobile network, and will introduce a jointly developed SIP-based Carrier-grade Push-to-Talk software solution at 3GSM World Congress.

The solution will allow broadband service providers (e.g., satellite providers), mobile telecommunications services providers, and internet service providers (ISPs) to provide instantaneous talk groups for communications over any Internet connection; geographical location is irrelevant, users can instantly communicate with friends and colleagues from anywhere in the world, including hard to reach remote locations, such as oil rigs and military battlefields.  It includes features such as radio-like floor control, full-duplex group conference, and presence to facilitate the instant communications between users.

“Our partnership enables service providers to provide a mechanism for their subscribers to constantly stay in touch with their friends and colleagues at the push of a button, no matter where they are physically located in the world,” said Tarun Kapoor, CEO of Pangean Technologies.  “Both Pangean and Opencode believe that the solution will help providers offer enhanced service offerings (on the data network) for their subscribers.”

Pangean Technologies and Opencode Systems first formed an alliance in 2006 to bring advanced multimedia communications solutions to the service providers market.  Both companies have expertise in developing VoIP, IP communications, and information services software that is reliable, efficient, and scalable for many different vertical markets including retail, manufacturing, financial services, ISPs, and many others.

Constantin Staykoff, senior VP of business development at Opencode Systems, feels the alliance is a natural fit for both companies.  “Our strength lies in building the scaleable back-end servers and solutions for large telecommunications providers, whereas Pangean brings the end client development experience both on the desktop and mobile devices (e.g., PDA).  As we are both SIP-based, it made sense to combine our expertise into a total end-to-end solution for the service providers.”

Reuters newsagency has reported that LG Electronics has won the contest – organised by GSM Association – to provide low cost 3G handsets in order to boost uptake of the technology. The revelation comes ahead of 3GSM World Congress, which kicks off in Barcelona next week, where the result was due to be officially announced.

The winner of the contest is expected to receive orders for several millions of the handsets by as many as a dozen mobile operators.

According to the report, LG’s winning device will weigh in at around the $100 mark, significantly undercutting many existing handsets – the prices of which have been held, to some degree, responsible for holding back mass adoption of 3G services such as internet and video.

Both LG and GSM Association declined to comment on the story.

O2, through its parent company Telefónica, has signed up to the EU-wide common framework to promote safer mobile phone use by teenagers and children, which is unveiled today in Brussels. It has also strengthened its partnership with Childnet International, the children’s internet charity. 

Peter Erskine, chief executive and chairman of Telefónica O2 Europe, said: “Today’s initiatives help address the growing need to cast the safety net of co-operation between operators, content providers, regulators, governments and child protection organisations across a greater geographical area. 

“The youth market in Europe now accounts for more than 100 million mobile phones as parents want to be able to keep in touch with their children. In tandem, adult content is becoming more widespread and accessible on internet-enabled phones; and cross-border crime, including grooming, is more prevalent. Today, we are stepping up our programme of advice and guidance for children, parents and guardians addressing these hazards in order to help stamp out access to inappropriate content, bullying and worst of all being contacted by paedophiles.” 

The new European Union framework supports work already undertaken by O2 in this area following the industry-wide code of practice signed by UK-based mobile network operators in early 2004, later replicated in Ireland and Germany, as well as its joint activities with parent company, Telefónica. O2 was the first mobile network operator to join the Internet Watch foundation and in 2006 was the first mobile network operator to sign up to the UK Media Literacy Charter, which promotes the development of skills people require to get the most out of modern media content. 

Today, O2’s UK web-site home page is profiling Safer Internet Day and promoting the work of its new partner in online child protection, Childnet International, which has produced a checklist of important questions for parents to ask a mobile operator when purchasing a mobile phone. 

Last year, Childnet helped train more than 100 O2 employees to become child protection champions, internal experts that are helping to make sure that parents receive real, practical, useful and consistent advice from O2 regarding children’s use of mobiles. In 2007, O2 will be working with Childnet to introduce a series of measures to help ensure that expert advice is readily available for parents who choose to buy their children a mobile phone.   

Real-life scenarios to demonstrate how mobile operators can maximize their revenues

Subex Azure, a leading vendor of revenue maximization solutions for telecom operators, today announced that it will unveil a model Revenue Operations Center (ROC) at 3GSM.

The ROC affords operators centralized revenue monitoring and control via a set of dashboards and process workflows by integrating individual revenue assurance, fraud management and risk management solutions. This will allow operators to keep an eye on the financial performance (e.g. total revenue, ARPU, subscriber growth), revenue performance (e.g. revenue/ cost by category, revenue/ fraud loss) and operational performance (e.g. revenue/fraud/ bad debt loss by root cause) across their networks.

“Revenue management is becoming increasingly important for operators offering next-generation wireless and wire-line services.  With many services being delivered by third-party providers, an end-to-end approach to monitoring and protecting revenues will be required to deliver a greater customer experience,” said Norbert Scholz, Research Director at Gartner.

At 3GSM, Subex Azure will demonstrate how the ROC would work for a mobile operator with around 100,000 subscribers.  The demonstration will illustrate a series of real-life scenarios that mobile operators typically face and how the ROC would help address them.  These scenarios will include:

–     Managing increases in interconnect costs
–     Revenue leakage on content provision
–     Relaxed credit scoring leading to bad debt
–     Internal fraud
–     Rising customer complaints and rebates
–     Handset theft

Subash Menon, Founder Chairman, Managing Director & CEO, Subex Azure Limited, said: “With the emergence of complex next-generation content services it is imperative that mobile operators maximize these potential revenues.  The ROC is an innovative solution and will play a central role by providing an end-to-end view of revenue flows throughout the whole business.”

Youth market most likely to participate

The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) has reported key findings of its annual attitude and usage study on mobile marketing effectiveness. More than 1,800 consumers between the ages of 13 and 65 were queried, with results indicating that mobile consumers are more educated about the features and functionality of their devices and are engaging more frequently in mobile marketing campaigns.The study also revealed that the youth market reported the highest rate of interest and usage, ranging from 30 to 40 percent.

Conducted with global market research firm Synovate, the study is said to have measured both the perceptions and usage for wireless and text messaging, as well as overall receptiveness and participation in mobile marketing initiatives.
 
“The MMA and the Metrics committee are very encouraged by the findings of this study for multiple reasons,” said Wayne Irwin, President, LogicaCMG Telecoms, North America.  “First, it demonstrates that consumers are becoming increasingly dependant on their mobile phones and that they recognize these devices as being able to provide additional value – over just voice.  Second, consumers are not only increasing their acceptance of mobile marketing, but are showing this acceptance through increased participation in marketing programs.”
 
“Research around adoption and utilization of mobile initiatives will be key in helping brands determine where and how to engage the mobile channel,” said Laura Marriott, executive director of the MMA. “The MMA Annual Mobile Marketing Effectiveness research has become a key tool for our members to quantify the opportunity to their customers.”
 
Other research findings include:
• Forty-eight percent of the respondents reported their wireless phone usage has increased significantly over the last year.
• The average consumer uses approximately 4.8 features on their mobile phone.
• Sixty-nine percent of survey respondents indicated that they use text messaging, and 44 percent use it daily (up from 41 percent in 2005).
• Of those respondents who have participated in mobile marketing campaigns, their participation in voting campaigns has significantly increased, from 8 percent in 2005 to 29 percent in 2006.
• The highest regarded mobile marketing services include downloads, coupons, and alert-based services.

Newly merged company becomes a global leader with an expanded portfolio of value-added services

IP Unity Glenayre, the new leader in delivering carrier-grade messaging and multimedia solutions over IP, TDM and enterprise networks, has announced that it will make its world debut at 3GSM World Congress.

The new company, formed earlier this month with the acquisition of Glenayre Messaging by IP Unity, will unveil its new corporate identity at the show and demonstrate a broad portfolio of enhanced services capabilities.  Visitors to the IP Unity Glenayre stand (Hall 1, number F20) will see for the first time the combination of Glenayre’s proven mobile messaging technology with IP Unity’s portfolio of solutions for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC).
 
“IP Unity Glenayre is stepping onto the world stage at 3GSM as a leader in messaging and multimedia,” said Arun Sobti, Chairman and CEO of IP Unity Glenayre.  With over 2,000 deployments worldwide, a subscriber base of 79 million end users, and an unrivalled breadth of advanced applications, IP Unity Glenayre will now set the standard for the value added services market.   “Media rich applications are vital for mobile operators looking to monetize their 3G investments and reduce churn,” continued Sobti, “IP Unity Glenayre has the ability to support operators looking to introduce the very latest technology, from trial deployments to roll-outs to millions of subscribers.  We look forward to welcoming visitors at 3GSM to the new company and unveiling our market leading portfolio of applications.” 

IP Unity Glenayre serves fixed, wireless and cable operators, FMC service providers, as well as large enterprises and public agencies, with rich media services and advanced applications for IMS-enabled and other environments.  At 3GSM, the company will demonstrate a number of 3G enabled services, including video and audio conferencing, video portal, video mail, video mobile marketing and unified messaging.