Microsofts Smart Phone Unlocks Potential of 2.5G and 3G Wireless Networks

date: 19th February 2001, source by: FT

Microsoft on Monday announced two European and one Australian wireless network operators will test data services from its 'smartphone' services starting this spring.

The three, Telstra Corp., T-Mobil and Vodafone UK, are the first to announce a wireless testing alliance with Microsoft. Telstra is based in Australia. T-Mobile is Deutsche Telekom's domestic mobile phone unit.

Mobile software and device makers are scrambling to add more functionality to cell phones as bandwidth expands.

In a related development, U.K. handheld computer maker Psion said on Monday that German electronics group Siemens would use software from the Psion-led consortium Symbian to run its new 'smartphones'.

Data services tests

The three wireless operators are going to be testing a number of mobile devices and platforms, Microsoft said. They'll test services that include secure access to corporate data and email, instant messaging and media playback.

Microsoft said U.K.-handset maker Sendo is developing a smart phone based on Microsoft's platform that is expected to be "widely available in autumn 2001."

The two companies were expected to unveil the color prototype of the phone at an industry conference in Cannes on Monday.

The Sendo smart phone allows for email as well as "meaningful Internet content," the companies said in a release. Officials from Microsoft weren't immediately available for comment on Monday.

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