THE CZECH TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY IN PRAGUE, ERICSSON AND OSKAR OPEN THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
On February 1st representatives of Český Mobil the operator of the Oskar network, Ericsson spol. s r.o. and the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT) opened the Research and Development Centre. The Centre, which is unique by European as well as world standards, was established to contribute to the development of multimedia telecommunication services and applications based on wireless technologies and to support the implementation of the third-generation mobile communication systems in the Czech Republic.
The Centre’s founding members – Český Mobil a.s., Ericsson spol. s r.o. and ČVUT created an environment for supporting high-quality research, development and education in the field of wireless multimedia services. The Mission of the Research and Development Centre summarizes the main fields of activities intended with this unique project: - to educate and pursue research in the field of new telecommunication services and technologies including Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) · to develop new applications and services in wireless telecommunications and to facilitate their implementation in telecommunications networks
Český Mobil a.s. initiated the establishment of the Centre, providing funds for the construction and operation, equipment, scholarships and research. “Many young experts who are likely to influence significantly the implementation and development of a new generation of wireless technologies in the near future embody the strong potential of the Czech Republic. World-class conditions provided by the unique Centre will allow them to grow professionally and to step up actively to this unrivalled challenge,” said Jon Eddy, Český Mobil’s Chief Technical Officer on the occasion of the opening of the Centre.
Ericsson supplied the latest data communication equipment (General Packet Radio Service – GPRS and a Wireless Application Protocol server – WAP) and also provides introductory training of the students and staff. “We are very proud to cooperate on this unique project and to bring the latest wireless technologies to the Czech Republic,” says Bo Hildingsson, President of Ericsson spol. s .r.o.
The ČVUT provided a place for the Centre, computer equipment and involved a team of scientists and researchers, teachers, students and graduants. „I believe that the Research and Development Centre opened today will attract young and talented students of ČVUT. I wish a lot of creative ideas to all those who will participate in research in this special workplace. I suppose that we will soon see the results of the team’s efforts as users,“ said prof. Jiří Witzany, PhD, the Rector of the ČVUT.
Zdeněk Gütter, PhD, whose name has been for many years tied with the development of telecommunication networks and services, was appointed Director of the Research and Development Centre. He expects the Centre to bring practical means for all parties involved. „It is honour for me to lead the team aiming at support of professional growth of Czech experts and establishing a base for research and development in partnership with a concept-oriented telecommunications network operator.“
The first GSM technology training of the Centre took place in the beginning of January 2001.