Press

FAST, FULL-COLOUR INTERNET ON GSM

Mobile telecommunications carriers in Australia and New Zealand will soon have the opportunity to generate new revenue streams from data traffic well before 3G networks are in full operation.  Frontier has signed an exclusive distribution agreement to market a new hybrid mobile phone/PDA featuring colour Internet browsing at speeds you would expect on a PC, using the current GSM networks.

The EU based organisation that has developed the solution, has already secured a distribution deal in Europe.  Frontier is currently in negotiation with a number of key networks and retailers in the Australia.    

The patented compression technology developed allows Internet access at speeds in excess of 56kb/s, compared to the standard data transfer rates of 9.6 kb/s normally achievable over the GSM network. The device is also shipped GPRS ready with an ‘over the air’ upgrade to be made available should it be required. Its architecture has been developed so that there is also a seamless upgrade path to 3G. Unlike WAP, which can only access WAP enabled websites, the device can access the Internet sites in full colour with graphics.  It features 16MB of RAM to store addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail all of which are synchronized from a portal based user Internet account.

“The device can already deliver an experience far in excess of what many consumers thought they would be offered with WAP – the Internet – at speeds that are functional,” said Peter Gable, CEO of Frontier Australia.   “We see this product as providing an alternative pathway instead of expensive 3G with the ability for networks and service providers to generate revenue from existing and tested network infrastructure and an installed subscriber base.

To achieve greater data transfer rates over current networks, the device connects with a server that compresses the data at a ratio of approximately 6:1.   In addition, the server provides a data storage facility for users.  The device can be configured to interface with corporate intranets to enable personnel to access information.  Frontier will also develop applications such as travel data management and industry specific tools. The interface is written using Macromedia Flash allowing the developer community to easily create skins, themes and applications in a language they are already familiar with.

The device features Personal Information Management systems such a diary, contact lists and alerts that can be entered either through the device or a PC with full synchronisation of data.  It offers e-mail and SMS messaging, as well as lifestyle functions such as MP3 play back through a removable multi-media card and games. Mapping functions can also be included in the device.

“Market research, conducted as part of the development process of the device indicated that consumers aspired to an all-in-one mobile ‘lifestyle’ communications tool that did not resemble the business centric devices currently offered in the PDA market,” said Mr Gable.  “People (consumers) preferred the idea of owning a ‘lifestyle enabler’ – rather than a device that did not try to  replace or mimic the functions of a PC”.  

The device is expected to launch in Australia Q2 2006.