EB INTRODUCES SLEEK SATELLITE-TERRESTRIAL REFERENCE DESIGN DEVICES FOR THE EUROPEAN MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICES (MSS) MARKET
NEWS
Delivering Wireless Innovation, EB Brings the Next Big Mobile Experience to the MSS Device Arena
BARCELONA, (GSMA Mobile World Congress Hall 1, Stand 1F07), February 16, 2009 - Leveraging its advanced knowledge and device development capabilities in multi-radio technologies, EB, Elektrobit Corporation (OMX: EBC1V) a developer of cutting-edge embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless industries, introduced today two reference design devices for the European Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) market. The first innovative device is a sleek, fully-functional satellite-terrestrial PDA reference design ¾ with an internal antenna ¾ and the second device, a satellite-terrestrial Connectivity Module proof of concept, will be shown this week at EB's Stand (1F07, in Hall 1) at GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
In summer 2008, the European Commission (EC) launched a call for candidate operators of pan-European mobile satellite services. This movement will drive investment in the European communications industry, focusing on the delivery of European Union (EU)-wide services, even in previously uneconomic remote areas. The European MSS effort will allow companies, as early as 2009, to offer innovative wireless services, from high-speed Internet access to mobile television and radio, to access for emergency services and disaster relief. Users will have the ability to receive wireless phone calls throughout Europe, even when outside traditional cellular coverage, whether travelling off the coast of the English Channel or Mediterranean to an out-of-range service area in the Alps.
To access the new services, however, end-users will require specialized mobile devices. EB expects end-user demand to influence MSS device design; driving a new assortment of devices that will be similar in look-and-feel to current mobile and smartphone form factors, but with added features.
Having already designed a successful satellite-terrestrial smartphone reference design for the U.S. MSS market ¾ in partnership with TerreStar Networks ¾ EB has the opportunity to quickly deliver a comparable dual-mode form factor for the European MSS market. Additionally, EB introduced its Connectivity Module prototype, leveraging the same core expertise in multi-radio and emerging technologies to deliver a "connectivity data pipe" to enable next generation broadband mobile IP services and applications. EB can now simply optimize these current reference designs for European MSS spectral efficiency; enabling operators to offer:
New and compelling service plans and roaming options throughout Europe;
Advanced data services with extended data ranges for improved broadcast and emergency capabilities;
Seamless and secure wireless connections to both satellite and terrestrial networks; ensuring 'always on' ubiquitous coverage.
In addition, European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) gain new opportunities to quickly and more cost-effectively bring dual-mode devices to market, with integrated, all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities. Potential development partners, OEMs, ODMs and operators can utilize EB's existing reference design form factor - or - work directly with EB to customize the mobile device based on target market requirements.
"The European mobile satellite services market gives end-users new mobile multimedia opportunities. However, we believe for mass end-user adoption, operators will need to offer an expanded wireless device portfolio that excites end-users with the potential of enriching their mobile experiences," said Jani Lyrintzis, Vice President, Professional Terminals Solutions, EB. "Our satellite-terrestrial smartphone reference design handset, as well as our Connectivity Module concept pushes the boundaries of wireless device development and design by offering sophisticated features in form factors end-users are already comfortable with."
EB's satellite-terrestrial smartphone reference design will offer numerous innovative features, including:
A fully IP-based satellite phone using high-speed packet data;
An internal antenna;
A touch screen with full QWERTY keyboard;
Operates on the allocated 2-GHz frequency band (S-band) throughout Europe, comprising of radio spectrum from 1,980 to 2,010 MHz for earth to space communications, and from 2,170 to 2,200 MHz for space to earth communications.
The characteristics of the EB satellite-terrestrial Connectivity Module concept can be tailored for unique customer requirements; allowing it to be easily integrated into existing applications or configured for satellite-only applications.
For more information about EB's presence at Mobile World Congress, or for a demo of the satellite-terrestrial smartphone reference design handset, please visit EB in Hall 1, Stand 1F07, or online at: www.elektrobit.com
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Joakim Granholm
Director, Marketing
EB Wireless Solutions
Tel. +358 40 344 3733
EB, Elektrobit Corporation
EB creates advanced technology and turns it into enriching end-user experiences. EB is specialized in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for wireless and automotive industries. The net sales for the year 2008 totalled MEUR 172.3. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
www.elektrobit.com .
