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GSM Gets a Bandwidth Boost

Mobile network vendors are getting ready to upgrade GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) base stations to offer twice the bandwidth available today. But users will need new phones to take advantage of higher speeds.

Instead of 236K bps (bits per second), networks will offer 592K bps, with the increase made possible by a technology called Dual Carrier EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution).

But it doesn't end there. Vendors are also working on further enhancements: EGRPS II will offer downlink speeds of up to 1.2M bps and will also double uplink speeds to up to 473K bps.

Both upgrades are part of what the industry has dubbed Edge Evolution.

"The goal is to turn GSM into a true broadband technology," said Jeanette Fridberg, director at Ericsson Radio Networks, who said she has really been looking forward to the introduction of this technology.

The existing version of EDGE is used by more than 200 carriers, according to Global Mobile Suppliers Association. It has also garnered a lot of attention as Apple's mobile broadband technology of choice, at least so far.

But to take advantage of higher speeds, consumers need to buy new phones. The first ones will appear next year, according to both Ericsson and Nokia Siemens.

Whether that will happen remains to be seen -- Nokia and Sony Ericsson don't want to comment on future products.

For carriers, the move to 592K bps is a software upgrade. Nokia Siemens on Thursday announced it will ship an upgrade during the third quarter. Ericsson will ship its upgrade toward the end of next year.

"We are not in a hurry, because phones won't be available until next year," Fridberg said.

Nokia Siemens doesn't agree. "Carriers need time, even if it's an easy upgrade," said Anna Lindén, spokeswoman at Nokia Siemens Radio Networks.

Faster EDGE networks will be used in various ways. GSM is still a very important technology, even with the move to 3G (third generation). "There are still countries which currently don't have 3G networks, for example, India and China," Fridberg said.

Even if 3G is available, EDGE can play an important role.

"If you haven't got a 3G license, you can use EDGE and still offer broadband. Or you can use EDGE in parts of your network where 3G coverage isn't available," Lindén said.