Industry launches wireless IP group

Nine of the largest wireless communications companies in the world today
announced that they will form a focus group to develop and promote wireless technology
based on IP for a third-generation mobile telephone and data transmission system.

The new group, called 3G.IP, consists of British Telecommunications PLC, AT&T
Wireless Services Inc., Rogers Cantel Inc., Ericsson Inc., Lucent Technologies Inc.,
Nokia Corp., Nortel Networks, Telenor AS and Telecom Italia Mobile SpA, according to a
press release
issued today.

The group will support the development of next-generation wireless services --
including enhanced voice, high-speed data and Internet access, as well as imaging and
videoconferencing -- on an IP-based network architecture.

The companies plan to develop the IP-based system using Wireband Code Division
Multiple Access and enhanced data rates for global evolution broadband interfaces. They
will also propose standards for handsets that will use those technologies.