Press Release
March 16, 2004
March 16, 2004 – Ericsson, Motorola, and Siemens announced today the first joint interoperability tests for Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) technology.
The tests are designed to help provide network operators with easy integration, interoperability and a competitive environment in which to deploy commercial
PoC service. For consumers, the testing helps ensure a simple, seamless Pushto-Talk experience.
The PoC function enables mobile phones to be used like walkie-talkies, providing instant communication at the touch of a button. Already popular in
North America, PoC is poised to gain phenomenal traction in Europe and in
Asia – but interoperability is key to broad-based acceptance. End users want to be able to use any PoC-enabled handset on any available network without having to worry about whether they work together.
The first technical standard specification for Push-to-talk – PoC Phase One – was submitted to the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) in August 2003. Ericsson,
Motorola, Siemens and Sony Ericsson are promoting a final PoC standard through the OMA.
Today, the industry leaders take the next step by successfully starting joint interoperability tests to help speed delivery of compatible PoC solutions to network operators. First interoperable products and solutions are planned to be introduced in Q2 2004. The industry leaders encourage other manufacturers to join them in interoperability tests as soon as possible to ensure compatibility between devices and PoC servers across vendors.
About Push-to-Talk over Cellular service
Push-to-Talk over Cellular is similar to a walkie-talkie experience; it is a means of quick one-to-one or group communication. Instead of dialing a number to start a conversation, with one push of a button you simply go to a
“buddy list” and select the person you want to contact. Push the button again, talk, and your voice is heard by the recipient.

You can also create group calls so everyone on your buddy list can hear your message simultaneously – just as in a telephone conference. Instead of having to SMS or call each recipient individually, a push of the key is all it takes to send a message directly to an entire circle of friends or work colleagues, for example.
For network operators, PoC opens up whole new realm of voice services, as it significantly enhances telephone service. Experience has proven that consumers with PoC features on their phone become more engaged with their handset and provide mobile operators with a new source of revenue – potentially a high return from existing infrastructure at a relatively low risk.
And, PoC service fits a variety of markets – from consumers who want instant communication to small, medium and large enterprises that need frequent intermediate contacts.
About PoC Phase One Specification
The PoC Phase One Specification was developed by leading wireless vendors to ensure an interoperable Push-to-Talk solution over standard mobile networks. The specification is intended to avoid marketplace fragmentation and help drive rapid uptake of PoC by enabling a simple, seamless Push-to-
Talk experience for end-users around the world.
The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) is further enhancing this specification based on wider industry feedback. Multiple vendors are developing products according to the existing PoC specification. The PoC specification is the only available multi-vendor specification for push to talk and defines a push to talk service over packet-based networks using a subset of the IP Multimedia
Subsystem (IMS) functionality as defined by the 3 rd
Generation Partnership
Project (3GPP) and 3GPP2.
The ongoing work in OMA indicates that some new functionality will be added in the future, for example the Network-to-Network Interface (NNI) that enables inter-operator communication.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson
Eva Sparr, Communications
Phone: +46 8 719 57 50, +46 8 719 69 92
Email: press.relations@ericsson.com
Motorola
Sharen Santoski, Mobiles
Phone: +1.617.252.9662
Stephanie Forrest, Infrastructure
Phone: +44 7739 884452
Siemens mobile
Axel Schafmeister
Phone: +49 89 636 51675, +49 170 63 29 546
Email: siemens-mobile.press@siemens.com

Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +44 (0) 208 762 5858
Email: info@SonyEricsson.com
About Ericsson
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in wireless, broadband and automotive communications technologies that help make life smarter, safer, simpler, synchronized and fun. Sales in 2003 were $27.1 billion. Motorola creates innovative technological solutions that benefit people at home, at work and on the move. The company also is a progressive corporate citizen dedicated to operating ethically, protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which it does business. For more information: www.motorola.com
.
About Siemens mobile:
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (Siemens mobile) is one of the world’s leading full-line suppliers in the field of mobile communication, offering mobile phones, cordless phones, wireless modules and mobile infrastructure, as well as all radio and switching modules, consulting services and systems integration. The mobile communication arm of Siemens AG markets products and services in more than 120 countries, generating sales of € 10 billion with a workforce of some 26,900 people in fiscal 2003 (September 30). Siemens mobile is the world market leader in prepaid solutions and digital cordless phones. More: www.siemensmobile.com/press
About Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB offers mobile communications products for people who appreciate the possibilities of powerful technology.
Established in 2001 by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Sony
Corporation, the joint venture continues to build on the success of its two innovative parent companies. Sony Ericsson creates value for its operator customers by bringing new ways of using multimedia communications while mobile. The company’s management is based in London, and has 4,000 employees across the globe working on research, development, design, sales, marketing, distribution and support.
For further information, please visit: www.SonyEricsson.com