LYNCHBURG, Va.-Ericsson GE Mobile Communications Inc. has introduced the Private Communications Network, a specialized mobile radio technology with integrated voice and data capability.
Called PCN, the technology is a stepped-down version of the company’s Enhanced Digital Access Communications System, according to Frank McGhee, Ericsson GE’s director of network operator business.
“We developed this network to give SMR operators a system they could operate profitably with a quick payback. Though the network is based on our state-of-the-art, high-end EDACS technology, we were able to make enough modifications to produce a less expensive system-both to buy and operate-that fits a particular market niche,” he said.
The company said it expects PCN to appeal to operators in rural areas and underdeveloped countries where low subscriber densities don’t require the frequency reuse of cellular or digital enhanced SMR.
“We can have this network up and running in a week’s time practically anywhere in the world,” McGhee said.
So far, the company said it has installed PCN systems in New Zealand, Argentina and Columbia.
Although PCN could be described as EDACS’ little brother, the company said it provides a full complement of services, including mobile and portable telephony, mobile data, dispatch and paging, as well as access to the public switched telephone network.