RTX Telecom takes short-cut to GPRS handset

RTX Telecom has selected the i.250 Innovative Convergence platform from Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector (Motorola SPS) for use in 2.5G GSM/GPRS cellular handset designs.

RTX Telecom has selected the i.250 Innovative Convergence platform from Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector (Motorola SPS) for use in 2.5G GSM/GPRS cellular handset designs.

Containing the industry's most highly integrated chipset, the i.250 platform offers 50% reduction in component count versus many competing solutions and enables companies, such as RTX Telecom and its customers, to reduce development time by up to a year and significantly reduce system costs.

The agreement will make RTX Telecom an important working partner for Motorola Semiconductor in the field of turnkey product development of GSM/GPRS handsets based on Motorola's GSM/GPRS technology.

Supporting a complete range of voice-centric, voice-data, and data-centric products, the i.250 platform combines an integrated chipset with an industry-leading development environment, field-proven GPRS protocol software and type certification support.

According to RTX Telecom Chief Executive Officer Jorgen Elbaek, RTX Telecom selected Motorola as a technology partner because of its recognised worldwide leadership position as a wireless communication solutions provider.

"RTX wanted a single source supplier for a comprehensive wireless solution with a proven GSM/GPRS engine.

In addition, we wanted a partner with worldwide presence and acceptance", Elbaek said.

"Motorola has an established record of providing highly integrated chips and proven software and it is a recognised, high-ranking supplier with the influence to make a difference in the wireless market.

RTX brings an established track record of creating fast time-to-market solutions.

We have extensive expertise in creating designs that are easily industrialised in large-volume productions and we have many years of experience in working with customers all over the world.

Together, RTX and Motorola will present a very convincing business model to the customer".

As the world's leading supplier of communication ICs, Motorola SPS has positioned itself to supply its wireless platform solutions to companies that represent approximately 30% of the global cellular market.

Viewed as further validation of Motorola's merchant market strategy, RTX Telecom's selection of the i.250 Innovative Convergence platform adds to the momentum Motorola's wireless platform solutions are gaining globally.

According to industry analysts, more than 480 million GSM/GPRS handsets are expected to be in production by 2005 (source: Gartner, November 2001).

"RTX Telecom is focused on providing advanced wireless communication product designs to leading brand names in digital wireless communication", said Pete Shinyeda, corporate vice president and general manager for Motorola's Wireless and Broadband Systems Group.

"Motorola is the only manufacturer who can provide RTX with the proficiency that comes from 70 years of wireless, 50 years of semiconductor, and 20 years of cellular experience.

The combination of RTX's expertise in turnkey solutions together with Motorola's comprehensive silicon-to-software GSM/GPRS platform will enable customers to bring to market wireless handsets more quickly and cost-effectively".

Back to top