PCTEL signs contract with DoCoMo for roaming client on Symbian-based 3G phones

April 27, 2005

PCTEL, a provider in simplifying mobility, announced that it had signed a contract to develop and customize client software for converged handsets that NTT DoCoMo obtains from Motorola. Under the agreement, PCTEL will port its connection manager to Symbian-enabled handsets capable of operating on both Wi-Fi and 3G cellular networks.

The client will enable data connection over Wi-Fi networks in both DoCoMo's domestic service as well as its roaming partner networks all over the world. In addition, DoCoMo's users can enjoy an internet connection on NTT DoCoMo's FOMA 3G network and GPRS networks outside Japan. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Our Roaming Client already works with laptops and Smart Phones. We are targeting compatibility with the operating systems used by handset manufacturers and meeting the needs of industry-leading operators, such as NTT DoCoMo, to deliver services over different types of wireless networks," said Biju Nair, PCTEL's vice president and general manager for its Mobility Solutions Group.

The handset-based connection manager will include PCTEL's security suite of 802.1x modules and will also be compatible with PCTEL's Central Configuration Server software that enables carriers and enterprises to update each device with such vital information as new roaming partner authenticators and Wi-Fi location database.

In the near future, PCTEL's Roaming Client for converged handsets will also include additional capabilities such as the ability to make seamless voice calls over a VoIP or cellular network.

PCTEL currently supplies its Roaming Client products to T-Mobile (U.S.), Cingular, SBC, NTT DoCoMo, GoRemote and others. The product includes a powerful back-end server (Central Configuration Server) that enables complete carrier control over the network contents and use of the client.