Cisco’s Linksys Division Empowers Mobile Operators to Offer New Consumer Experiences With Fixed Mobile Convergence
LAS VEGAS, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Linksys(R), a Division of Cisco, and the recognized leading global manufacturer of voice, wireless, and networking hardware for home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and the small business user, today expanded its portfolio of products created for mobile operators with the introduction of the Linksys by Cisco Wireless-G Router with Two Phone Ports (WRTU54G). Designed specifically to meet the growing needs of mobile operators, the new router is the first in the Linksys by Cisco product family to bring Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), an IP-based protocol, to support operator deployment of fixed and mobile services over a common infrastructure. The new device meets the desire from consumers for flexibility in selecting the voice services and devices for their unique lifestyles.
The WRTU54G provides operators with a cost-effective and deployable fixed mobile convergence (FMC) solution. At its core, the WRTU54G is a standard Linksys Wireless-G broadband router, but it adds two phone jacks, two internal SIM card slots for multiple phone lines and UMA client software. T-Mobile USA, Inc., is offering its customers the unique benefits of the WRTU54G with its T-Mobile @Home(R) service, currently available in Seattle and Dallas test markets.
“Linksys and Cisco are redefining the mobile experience with this new UMA Wireless-G router by delivering a powerful, yet cost-effective solution that engages customers with the benefits of fixed mobile convergence applications,” said Tony Wan, director product marketing, Linksys. “The development of the WRTU54G exemplifies our commitment to service providers that goes beyond developing customized solutions by leveraging the benefits our organization and brand bring in assisting with every level of their go to market strategy.”
Additional features that make the WRTU54G ideal for service provider integration include:
— Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery (UAPSD) — By replacing existing router products with the WRTU54G router, users reap the benefit of improved mobile phone battery life(1) when the phone is connected to the home network over Wi-Fi. — Simplified Security — The WRTU54G includes a pre-standard version of Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for improved ease-of-use via simplified pairing of handset to access point. This consumer-friendly security functionality will evolve to include the same Linksys WPS feature-set found in existing products without having to enter cumbersome WEP keys. — GSM capability over IP — By partnering with UMA market leader Kineto Wireless(R), the Linksys by Cisco WRTU54G router enables analog phone traffic to be carried over IP back to the operator’s network. This expands the mobile operator’s capability to not only use the network to service mobile calls but could also use the same network to deliver landline calls for a truly converged service. Adding to the Service Provider Fold
T-Mobile USA is the latest addition to a strong base of relationships between Linksys and Cisco and leading service providers such as AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and Vodafone. Linksys is dedicated to working closely with service provider partners to develop effective solutions that meet their business needs.
Pricing and Availability
The WRTU54G is currently being tested by T-Mobile USA in limited markets to support the company’s T-Mobile @Home service. For more information, please visit on the Web talkforever.t-mobile.com.
About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems Inc., is the recognized global leader in voice, Wireless and Ethernet networking for consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides award-winning product support to its customers. For more information, visit http://www.linksys.com/.
Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Other brands and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Copyright (c) 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. (1) Battery performance may vary due to usage, configuration and environment.
Linksys
CONTACT: Media, Bryan Sherlock, +1-949-823-3735,bryan.sherlock@cisco.com, or Analysts, Lisa Soto, +1-949-823-4778,lisoto@cisco.com, both of Linksys; or Investors, Marisa Ross of Cisco,+1-408-527-9830, mariross@cisco.com
Web site: http://www.linksys.com/