IFR offers GPRS upgrade path for 2935 GSM Radio Test Set; Two-Step Program Allows Users to Limit Costly Downtime.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2001

IFR Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:IFRS) today announced a RAM upgrade program for its 2935 GSM radio test set to equip the instrument to handle the increased memory requirements of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) testing.

By upgrading the 2935 during regular factory calibration service now, the 2935 will be quickly field-upgradeable for GPRS next year. Managers of test and repair facilities can eliminate lengthy downtime for instruments that are typically used 24 hours a day to test and repair GSM phones.

IFR's GPRS module for the 2935 GSM test set, available spring 2002, will allow users to fully test GPRS phones. The new module will include the GPRS Attach Sequence and enable extended performance tests, including BLER (Block Error Rate).

"The 2935 upgrade program allows current and new owners of the 2935 to plan for GPRS testing requirements and then devise a roll-out plan for their organizations without any further downtime for hardware updates," said Bob Vogel, vice president product development, IFR. "By bringing the units in for upgrade during their regular service interval, our customers are assured of the ability to upgrade very quickly in the field upon the release of the GPRS module."

The Importance of GPRS

GPRS is a non-voice service that enables the sending and receiving of information across mobile telephone networks. The popularity of GSM-based SMS (Short Message Service) established the requirement for non-voice communication, but the networks were not optimized for data communication. Adding GPRS packet-switching technology to GSM networks will facilitate SMS and other data applications. In addition, GPRS will fully enable Internet applications such as web browsing and chat features. GPRS's high immediacy is also critical for applications such as fast remote credit card authorization.

About the 2935 GSM Radio Test Set and Phone Test Software

The 2935 is a high-speed test head that has all the protocol control necessary to carry out GSM transmitter and receiver measurements in accordance with the ETS 300 607-1 specification. The 2935 is bundled with IFR's innovative Phone Test software and is ideal for cost-effective GSM handset service and test operations. The 2935 test set platform offers full P-GSM, E-GSM, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900 frequency bands on a single platform to streamline the complete service process.

Phone Test allows the storage and retrieval of test and repair information, generation of warranty claim forms, repair hints based on the analysis of past repairs, management reporting and repair process tracking. Phone Test also provides interchange of data with existing computer systems.

Price and Availability

The 2935 radio test set hardware upgrade will be available December 10, 2001 from IFR service centers worldwide. It is priced at U.S. $395. The cost of the hardware upgrade can be offset against the cost of the GPRS upgrade in the second quarter of 2002. For more information about the hardware upgrade, contact a local IFR account manager or email IFR directly at [e-mail].

IFR -- Advancing Wireless Test

IFR is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless test solutions for communications, avionics and general test and measurement applications. For more information about IFR in the United States, contact: IFR, 10200 West York Street, Wichita, Kan., 67215-8999. Contact IFR via e-mail at [e-mail], on the Web at www.ifrsys.com, or by telephone at 800/835-2352 or 316/522-4981.