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NEC's Packet Core Node: A New Era for Mobile Operators

NEC Corporation is accelerating the delivery of its Advanced TCA(R) (ATCA) based packet core node to bring a new era and more benefits for mobile operators. After its first commercial shipmentin September 2003, the number of shipments of the SGSN and GGSN (*) for mobile telephone operators exceeded over 100 systems. The systems in commercial operations process rapidly growing internet traffic for applications such as packeti‚šed voice and video,as well as new services like on-line gaming over the 3G Mobile PacketNetwork.

Video Auction Mobile TV Station

C.A. Mobile, a Tokyo-based online content provider affiliated with Cyber Agent, has begun auctioning on iBid, a mobile auction site, in collaboration with 0ch, a cell-phone TV station. The site is the first that uses video to profile auctioned items. The service is supported by KDDI’s EZweb and NTT DoCoMo’s i-mode services. There is no charge for viewing iBid. 0ch is free for i-mode users, but costs 105 yen per month for EZweb users.

Alcatel Selected By China Netcom to Deploy 3G Trial Network in Beijing

Alcatel today announced that it has been selected by China Netcom Group, one of China’s incumbent operators, to deploy a 3G field trial network in Beijing. This agreement strengthens Alcatel’s position in 3G in China, having already successfully deployed a similar 3G trial network with China Telecom earlier in the year. This contract was won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel’s flagship Chinese company. Alcatel will provide China Netcom with Alcatel’s end-to-end field-proven Evolium(TM) UMTS solution based on the successful 3G products from Evolium SAS, Alcatel’s joint venture with Fujitsu. This solution includes the state- of-the-art UMTS Multi-standard Base Stations (Node B), a Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the core network elements.

NEC's New 3G Strategy

NEC says it will employ additional platforms from Qualcomm and Ericsson Mobile Platforms as part of their new dual-mode, W-CDMA and GSM/GPRS, 3G handset strategy for global business. NEC recently announced a strategic move to jointly develop system LSIs for 3G; with this platform, they plan to offer a wider range of handsets to meet the demands of 3G mobile operators and end users as 3G market expands globally.

Q&A with Vodafone Japan CEO

Wherein Dr. Brian Clark fields questions from the Japanese media at a presser [WWJ Video here] held 16 November 2004; the good CEO responds to queries related to expected 3G subscriber numbers (“We don’t issue forecasts for customer numbers ahead of time”), sourcing 3G terminals from Korea (Korean terminals are not appropriate), and what percentage of customers use prepaid — and how will a ban affect overall performance (“Current base is about 11 percent; prepaid is a fundamental customer benefit”), among others. For wireless watchers, today’s Portable Reportable — a direct look at the inner workings of Japan mobile — is not to be missed.