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News Burst: Don't forget Edge, mobile operators warned.

Graeme Wearden ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 27 Oct 2000 11:49 BST

In the rush to implement third-generation (3G) mobile networks mobile operators risk failing to make use of Edge, which could allow a quicker and cheaper rollout of fast mobile service.

According to wireless research group Northstream, Edge (enhanced data rate for GSM/Global Evolution) could allow operators to improve GSM and GPRS networks, and make more efficient use of the mobile spectrum. This would give users faster connection speeds to the Internet

Edge was originally conceived as a stepping-stone between today's GSM networks and UMTS, which promises much faster connection speeds. Northstream expects Edge infrastructure and terminals to be available from early 2002, but doesn't think UMTS will be a commercial technology until 2004.

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