Omnipoint Makes 'Waves' at NAIAS 2000
10 January 2000
Company Introduces Innovative Wireless Vehicle System DETROIT, Jan. 10 -- Wireless service provider Omnipoint
Communications today is debuting the W.A.V.E. (Wireless Advanced Vehicle
Equipment) system at the North American International Auto Show 2000 in
Detroit, Michigan.
The W.A.V.E. system is the latest in wireless voice and data
communications equipment -- all of which operates on Omnipoint's existing
Global System for Mobile (GSM) wireless communications network -- installed in
a 2000 Lincoln Navigator.
"We're going to make a splash with the W.A.V.E.," said Omnipoint President
George Schmitt. "From the voice-activated, hands-free kit to the rear seat
mobile office, the W.A.V.E. was built to show safe and practical ways of
integrating wireless communications equipment into cars. But the
modifications do not significantly change the overall comfort or style of the
vehicle."
The W.A.V.E. system represents a major innovation in the direct
application of wireless technology into the automotive industry.
"Omnipoint has created the first truly wireless mobile office environment
that's safe, simple and fully integrated," continued Schmitt. The W.A.V.E.
system includes GSM wireless connections to the Internet, e-mail and corporate
Local Area Network (LAN) as well as a ComROAD telematics unit for remote
monitoring, entertainment and emergency services. Omnipoint Technologies'
Redhawk data communications module provides an interface to GSM networks for
telematic and telemetry applications.
As the official wireless sponsor of NAIAS 2000, Omnipoint will be offering
"Ride and Drive" demonstrations of the W.A.V.E. system from Wednesday, January
12th until Friday, January 14th. Those who want to arrange for a hands-on
test ride should contact Tracey Kilbey at 313-567-5074.
GSM is the world's leading wireless standard, used by more than
220 million people in 142 countries. In North Ams digital technology delivers crystal-clear voice
conversation, ensures caller privacy, and provides advanced data wireless
services including fax/data transfer, Internet e-mail, and information
services such as real-time stock quotes.
All Omnipoint handsets can connect customers to the Internet. Every
Omnipoint phone number is also an e-mail address. Omnipoint's GSM handsets
can also make wireless connections for laptops and PDAs. Additionally,
Omnipoint offers customers international roaming to more than 60 countries
including most of Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East, Africa, South
America, the Pacific Rim and Asia.
"What's perceived as wireless gizmos today will become standard features
in the not too distant future," noted Schmitt. "Motorists will phones, navigation systems and Internet
access that work in a safe and simple manner just as they have come to expect
air conditioning and AM/FM stereos."
The following components in the W.A.V.E. system are currently available to
consumers or will be available in the near future:
-- A Motorola L7089 "Leap" handset, which is a triple-band GSM phone
capable of working around the world.
-- A Motorola VR (Voice Recognition) DSP (Digital Signal Processor)
hands-free car kit, which allows the user to make and receive phone
calls entirely through voice commands.
-- An Applied Data Trends Q-PC automotive computer, which is one of the
first fully functional (450 MHz, Windows 98) car-specific computers to
be av Street Guard in vehicle telematics management system. It is
a DIN radio-sized computer designed for remote fleet management,
security, and emergency/roadside assistance services communications.
-- An Omnipoint Technologies' Redhawk GSM wireless data module that
connects to the Q-PC for access to the Internet, e-mail and corporate
LANs.
About Omnipoint
Omnipoint currently provides advanced wireless communications services in
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Southern Florida, Michigan, Ohio,
Indiana and Maryland. It intends to provide those services in additional
areas.
Omnipoint is a founding member of the North American GSM Alliance, a group
of North America's leading digital wireless Personal Communication Services
companies. Using Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications technology,
Alliance companies provide superior voice clarity, unparalleled security and
leading-edge wireless voice, data and fax features for customers, whether at
home, away or abroad. GSM is the world's most popular wireless standard, with
more than 225 million subscribers in 142 countries, including six million
customers in North America.
Other GSM Alliance members include: Aerial Communications, Inc.; Airadigm
Communications, Inc.; BellSouth Mobility DCS; Conestoga Wireless Company; Cook
Inlet VoiceStream PCS; DIGIPH PCS; Iowa Wireless Services; Microcell
Telecommunications Inc.; NPI Wireless; Pacific Bell Wireless; Powertel, Inc.;
STPCS Joint Venture, LLC; VoiceStream Wireless; and Wireless 2000 PCS. The
GSM Alliance works in cooperation with North American GSM equipment
manufacturers: Siemens, Motorola, Lucent Technologies, Nortel Networks, Nokia
and Ericsson.
Omnipoint Communications is a subsidiary of Omnipoint Corporation. Founded
in 1987, the parent company is a leader in commercializing PCS. In addition
to Omnipoint Communications, Omnipoint Corporation also includes Omnipoint
Technologies, Inc., a developer and supplier of wireless communication
technologies, products and engineering services. As a pioneer in the industry,
Omnipoint Technologies is on the forefront of developing and integrating
advanced wireless technologies, such as GSM, GPRS packet data, EDGE, and wireless
location. Omnipoint Technologies supplies GSM-based wireless data modules
for integration into product applications and designs.
On June 23, 1999, Omnipoint Corporation and VoiceStream Wireless
Corporation agreed to merge. On September 17, 1999, VoiceStream and Aerial
Communications, Inc. agreed to merge. On October 22, 1999, Omnipoint
announced that it had signed definitive agreements to acquire East/West
Communications, Inc. Completion of these mergers is subject to customary
shareholder and regulatory approval. When the mergers are completed, the
three companies together will have licenses to provide service to over
220 million people. As of September 30, 1999 Omnipoint, VoiceStream and
Aerial served more than 1.7 million customers combined.
