Agilent Technologies' Industry-First GPRS Manufacturing Test Solution Accelerates Time-to-Market for High-Speed Wireless Internet Access Devices.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2000

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), a leading provider of innovative technologies for communications and life sciences, today introduced the industry's first commercial General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) test solution designed specifically for high-volume manufacturers of mobile phones.

The GPRS standard is a response to the huge growth of the Internet, which has fueled demand for mobile Internet access and other services that require higher data rates than current wireless phone technology can achieve. GPRS increases data rates for wireless GSM networks and establishes an evolutionary path to the even higher data rates of third generation (3G) wireless communications.

"GPRS is expected to generate significant new revenue for wireless service providers, and it is being rolled out aggressively," said Al Schmidt, vice president of Agilent's RF Communications Product Unit. "Our new GPRS solution gives GSM mobile-phone manufacturers the test tool they've requested to get up to speed with high-volume production of GPRS transceivers and phones."

Agilent's one-box solution makes use of test modes, such as ETSI test modes that enable GPRS calls, without fully implementing GPRS protocol. The GPRS Mobile Test Application provides essential GPRS call-processing functions and GPRS measurements. The solution supplies all key measurements required for GPRS testing, including new multi-slot power versus time (PvT), bit-error ratio (BER) and block-error ratio (BLER) measurements, as well as critical GSM measurements of power, phase, frequency and output RF spectrum (ORFS).

Because the solution is based on the high-performance Agilent 8960 Series 10 test set, users gain the additional benefits of high-speed testing, ease of programming, reliability, and support for multiple formats, including cdma2000, GSM, IS-136 and AMPS.

Additional information is available at www.agilent.com/find/8960support

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent GPRS Mobile Test Application will be delivered in two phases. A core set of GPRS measurement capabilities will be available in October, with more enhancements added by the end of the year. The complete product is $7,000. Early adopters will receive final enhancements free of charge.

The Agilent 8960 Series 10 Wireless Communications Test Set is available now for $42,500. A second RF source is required, and is available now for $4,000.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 46,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 1999, Agilent had net revenue of more than $8.3 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

Photos are available on the Web at: www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.110300/bb5 (Application Photo); www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.110300/bb4 (Product Photo).

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Sales information may be obtained by calling 800/452-4844 ext. 7272. Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.

If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response to their inquiries by mailing them to Agilent Technologies, Test and Measurement Organization, 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd., MS 54LAK, Santa Clara, Calif. 95052.