PCTEL Joins MobileIGNITE Alliance and Showcases Mobile to VoIP Convergence with BridgePort Networks
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2005--BridgePort Networks, the leader in MobileVoIP convergence, and PCTEL, a global leader in simplifying mobility, have announced the industry's first live showcase that integrates voice and data roaming across GSM and WiFi networks. MobileVoIP convergence delivers new revenue opportunities for service providers as well as lower total cost of operation and better connectivity for end users. The MobileVoIP Live! showcase, will be featured at multiple locations during 3GSM World Congress 2005, including BridgePort Networks' stand (Hall 5, stand M15) and PCTEL's stand (Hall 2, stand E25). (see separate announcement: MobileIGNITE Alliance Showcases MobileVoIP Live! at 3GSM World Congress 2005)
The showcase integrates BridgePort Networks' voice client and the NomadicONE Network Convergence Gateway (NCG) server technology with PCTEL's GSM/WiFi Roaming Client on a GSM/WiFi smartphone running Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003. Using PCTEL's Roaming Client-VE, the phone will automatically detect and secure connectivity to the preferred connection based on policies determined by service providers, such as strongest signal, best call rates or bandwidth. For example, if multiple WiFi signals are available the client can connect to the WiFi network with which the cellular provider has a roaming agreement. The NomadicONE NCG bridges signaling, call control and authentication between the SIP based VoIP world and the SS7 based core mobile network, cost effectively delivering mobile services over VoIP networks and VoIP calls to mobile phones.
When roaming seamlessly onto a WiFi network, users will enjoy many of the same client features available when on a GSM network, including unified access to the phonebook, integrated call logs, SMS capability, the dialer and other features. The client software runs on any GSM/WiFi or CDMA/WiFi smartphone operating on Windows Mobile 2003 SE for Pocket PC Phone Edition, for example, the HTC QTek 9090, HP iPAQ 6315, Cyberbank's POZ, and O2's XDA III. The companies are conducting market trials during 2005.
"BridgePort Networks is working with leading connectivity management companies like PCTEL on MobileVoIP convergence," said Mike Mulica, president and CEO of BridgePort Networks. "PCTEL's established and proven WiFi/GPRS Roaming Client has proven to be an ideal base on which to add single number voice roaming capabilities."
BridgePort Networks also announced that PCTEL has been named as the latest member of the MobileIGNITE (Mobile Integrated Go-to-Market Network IP Telephony Experience) ecosystem. MobileIGNITE solutions are based on open standards and bring interoperable solutions to service providers that improve the quality, coverage and cost of mobile service delivery. Existing members of MobileIGNITE include IBM, VeriSign and Airespace.
"VoIP is changing the communications landscape, aided by the availability of converged WiFi/GSM subscriber devices," said Marty Singer, Chairman and CEO of PCTEL. "Forward looking carriers will upgrade their networks and offer their customers application software that prepares for the changes ahead. There is an immediate requirement for carriers to provide user friendly solutions that will maintain VoIP calls as consumers roam across different types of wireless networks. Our partnership with BridgePort Networks will help make MobileVoIP market ready in 2005."
About BridgePort Networks
BridgePort Networks is the leader in MobileVoIP convergence -- combining the personalization and mobility of mobile phone services with the flexibility, innovation and outstanding cost economics of the rapidly growing VoIP sector. The core product, the NomadicONE Network Convergence Gateway (NCG), uses roaming technology to extend single identity phone number services over multiple access networks, including: mobile, cable, DSL and WiFi. The NomadicONE NCG is a key component of an open standards partner ecosystem, MobileIGNITE that comprises end-to-end solutions that improve the quality, coverage and cost of mobile service delivery and the mobility of VoIP services. BridgePort Networks is a global company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. To learn more about BridgePort Networks visit: www.bridgeport-networks.com.
About PCTEL
PCTEL (NASDAQ:PCTI - News), founded in March 1994, is a global leader in simplifying mobility. PCTEL's Mobility Solution Group's(http://mobilitysolutions.pctel.com) software tools provide secure, access independent, remote connectivity . PCTEL's RF Solution Group's (http://rfsolutions.pctel.com) portfolio of OEM receivers and receiver-based products are used to measure and monitor cellular networks. PCTEL's Antenna Products Group (http://maxrad.pctel.com) designs, distributes, and supports innovative antenna solutions that facilitate and simplify wireless communications. PCTEL protects its leadership position with a portfolio of more than 130 analog and broadband communications and wireless patents, issued or pending, including key and essential patents for modem technology. PCTEL's products are sold or licensed to wireless carriers, wireless ISPs, distributors, wireless test and measurement companies, system integrators, PC manufacturers and PC card and board manufacturers. PCTEL headquarters are located at 8725 West Higgins Road, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60631. Telephone: 773-243-3000. For more information, please visit our web site at: http://www.pctel.com.
PCTEL Safe Harbor Statement
Certain matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding the features, performance, capabilities and benefits of Mobile VoIP convergence (and specifically BridgePort Networks' products when used with the PCTEL GSM/WiFi Roaming Client) and the success of BridgePort Networks' products and PCTEL GSM/WiFi Roaming Client software in the market, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, (i) whether the GSM/WiFi Roaming Client software, when used with BridgePort Network's products, is widely adopted by consumers; (ii) the effects of competition; (iii) difficulties in development of new and enhanced products; (iv) general economic conditions; and (v) other risks detailed in PCTEL's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements is disclaimed.
BridgePort Networks log, NomadicONE, and MobileIGNITE are
trademarks of BridgePort Networks Inc. All other trademarks are
properties of their respective owners.
Contact:
BridgePort Networks
Tamie Zrecny, 312-377-1345
tzrecny@bridgeport-networks.com
or
Karin Taylor, 415-365-0371
karin.taylor@bitepr.com
or
PCTEL
Jack Seller, 773-243-3016
jack.seller@pctel.com
Source: BridgePort Networks