NEW ORLEANS, La., March 17, 2003 -- Sprint, which operates the largest Third Generation (3G) voice and data wireless network in the U.S., announced the nationwide availability of PCS TelemetrySM Services.
The new high-speed wireless connectivity solution is designed to provide a convenient, cost-effective platform to gather and distribute information across a range of applications, including fleet management, wireless point of sale transactions, and utility service applications. Sprint is targeting vertical markets directly and through relationships with telemetry service providers.
The specialized PCS VisionSM service is appropriate for enterprise customers looking for a reliable and affordable machine-to-machine communication solution, as well as those requiring greater bandwidth for more complex applications. PCS Telemetry Services also provides an attractive alternative for enterprise customers using CDPD networks looking for a viable, long-term solution with faster data speeds and greater flexibility.
"Wireless telemetry represents a significant opportunity for Sprint to meet the needs of business customers in new, existing and expanding vertical markets," said Phil Bowman, vice president of business marketing for the PCS Division of Sprint. "PCS Telemetry Services can be a powerful and versatile alternative for customers looking to migrate from CDPD networks, as well as companies that have not yet considered a wireless solution to allow machines to relay real-time information to a central location. The high-speed, always-on capabilities of the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network provides the ability to transmit large files with the added advantage of mobility and portability."
Sprint is offering PCS Telemetry Services in response to the growing need among enterprise customers in vertical markets to collect, transfer and analyze data in real time from unmanned machines or devices. According to a recent Wireless Data Research Group (WDRG) report, the wireless telemetry market is expected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2003 to $8.2 billion in 2007.
Many businesses need a reliable method to gather information from remote sites and send it to a centralized location where it can be monitored and analyzed. For example, wireless payment processing systems used by the rental car industry and overnight delivery companies are commonplace today. Similarly, the meter reader has become a thing of the past with utility companies gathering information remotely via a variety of more economical methods.
The new machine-to-machine services will be supported by the largest nationwide CDMA packet data 3G network available in the United States. Customers will be able to transmit data over the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network at speeds averaging 50 to 70 Kbps, with peak speeds of 144 Kbps. The higher speeds will allow customers to utilize more advanced telemetry applications such as sending photos and images - a feat not feasible on slower CDPD networks.
Sprint is targeting vertical markets including point of sale and ATMs, transportation, utilities, energy, security, asset and building management, as well as field sales and service industries.
For customers with more stringent security requirements, Sprint will offer two connectivity options in mid-2003. The first is a network-based virtual private network (VPN) that allows enterprises to connect their corporate network to the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network by creating a secure tunnel through the Internet.
The second option will enable customers to connect their corporate network directly to the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network through a Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) using the Sprint Global Frame Relay network. In addition to enhancing The PCS Telemetry Service Offering, these connectivity options will enable Sprint to address the growing number of public safety and government agencies migrating off of CDPD networks.
Telemetry service providers and customers interested in learning more about PCS Telemetry Services can call 1-866-772-7877 or contact the Sprint telemetry team by sending an email to [email protected].
About Sprint
Sprint is a global communications company serving more than 26 million business and residential customers in over 70 countries. With approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint provides local voice and data services in 18 states and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the U.S.
