GTA launches Guam GSM mobile network

TAMUNING, Guam—The Guam Telephone Authority launched on Saturday Guam’s all-new GSM mobile network and service with a new brand name for its wireless subsidiary: MPULSE.

MPULSE wireless operation includes MPULSE Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) as well as MPULSE TDMA network of wireless service. MPULSE TDMA is GTA’s original cellular network based on time divided multiple access technology.

GTA president and CEO Bob Taylor officially launched the new MPULSE GSM network in conjunction with the opening of the new MPULSE mobile store at the Agana Shopping Center.

The new retail shop functions as a sales outlet for all MPULSE mobile services and phones as well as a customer payment center for GTA’s other landline and internet services.

“We’ve had a tremendously busy first year in 2005 as the newly privatized GTA. We invested close to $25 million in infrastructure upgrades and improvements, repairs, new equipment, new technology and new services. GTA is committed to bring the best in telecommunication services to Guam consumers and we’re very pleased to start 2006 on a high note with the launch of our all-new GSM network,” said Taylor in his opening ceremony speech.

With the introduction of GSM service on Guam, island mobile phone users join nearly 1.5 billion phone consumers or 80 percent of the wireless world around the world in over 200 countries and territories in having the network of choice. That means one in six persons worldwide is a GSM user. Therefore, when a Guam resident travels overseas, that person can take his or her MPULSE phone virtually anywhere in the world. GTA received its membership ratification from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association last September at the 3GSM World Congress in Singapore. GSMA is the worldwide trade body of the global wireless industry.

“With MPULSE mobile phone service, Guam consumers are receiving a globally accepted technology. It’s the leading and preferred standard of mobile service in the world. The technology provides a high quality and secure mobile voice and data services. As an initial first phase of our service, the MPULSE network offers voice services that includes local airtime, domestic long-distance to the U.S. mainland, voice mail, caller ID, conference calling, call waiting/hold, call forwarding and local SMS (short message service) within the network. In the second and later phases, we’ll be offering data services with technology such as GPRS (general packet radio service); EDGE (enhanced data for GSM evolution); and WAP (wireless application protocol),” explained Andrew Gayle, Jr., Vice President and General Manager of MPULSE. Gayle added that roaming service in international and U.S. mainland destinations will be introduced sometime in the second quarter of the year.

The second quarter of the calendar will also see additional cell towers and sites established in the south and central-east side of the island. Phase 1 of the network was built last August with the erection and testing of new monopole cell towers and cell sites at various locations in the central and northern parts of Guam.

MPULSE is a registered trademark of TeleGuam Holdings LLC.

TeleGuam Holdings, LLC, in partnership with Shamrock Holdings and General Electric, purchased GTA’s assets on Jan. 2, 2005.

GTA is Guam’s leading full-service telecommunications company providing fixed landline communications to nearly 65,000 business and residential customers; MPULSE™ mobile phone service with advanced GSM technology, cost effective long-distance, dial-up and broadband Internet service and digital TV. With a diverse work force of 350, GTA is poised to bring the best and most economic telecommunication products and services to Guam and the region.

For more information, visit www.gta.net. (PR)

FACTS AT A GLANCE:
MPULSE™ Agana Store

Location: Shop 204, 2nd Floor, Agana Shopping Center (next to GameStop)

Size: 1,294 square feet. Designed by RIM Architects

Customer Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am to 8pm; Sunday, 10am to 6pm

Service: MPULSE GSM and TDMA service plans, activations, phones and accessories. Customer payment center for other GTA wireline and internet services.