Vodafone Malta launches GPRS

Vodafone Malta Limited last Wednesday unveiled a full GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) working pilot during a breakfast press conference. Joseph C. Grioli, Managing Director of Vodafone Malta, officially launched this pilot, which is available to all Vodafone subscribers.

GPRS is a new technology that enables mobile users to use data services such as the Internet at potentially faster rates and be billed for what they download rather than by the amount of time they spend on-line. GPRS phones are gradually being introduced on the mobile market and Vodafone Malta expects that they will be widely available by the end of this year.

GPRS, like WAP, is an example of 2.5G technology, the stepping stone from the GSM range of services which have been available until now (2G) to those 3G services which will be provided by the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) in the next few years. The introduction of 2.5G technology was felt necessary in order to be able to bridge the huge gap in technology between GSM and UMTS.

“It is my pleasure to bring to the Maltese public 2.5G technology and make it available to all Vodafone clients," commented Mr Grioli during the introduction of this new system to the press at the Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel.

The pilot project is available to all subscribers on contract free of charge. E-talk subscribers may switch to contract free of charge and use the service during the pilot. The scope of the pilot launch is to obtain as much client feedback on the service so that the pricing and configuration of this new technology will be totally client driven.

Vodafone subscribers wishing to participate in this free pilot can register their interest and obtain their GPRS settings by sending an e-mail to [email protected]

“Vodafone wants to provide its customers with more opportunities. GPRS is a closer step towards 3G. GPRS will change the way we communicate using data. It is an extension of GSM. Today and tomorrow Vodafone subscribers are assured of the highest technological services which makes communication a better experience for all,” concluded Mr Grioli.