** Reproduced from RCR Wireless News January 28, 2002. Original article available in RCR Wireless online and print.

Performance Technologies offers GSM Signaling Platform

By Emily Motsay

January 28, 2002

Joining the charge to extend the reach of GSM networks, Performance Technologies Inc. unveiled its GSM Signaling Platform that it says will allow large carriers to offer roaming capabilities to smaller carriers that would otherwise be unable to offer extensive GSM coverage.

Performance Technologies believes its new platform will benefit large and small carriers as well as traveling mobile consumers. Without a platform like MicroLegend, small carriers would have to assign each of their customers an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and authenticate each subscriber in a main location database. They then would solicit large carriers for use of their networks and negotiate roaming agreements.

Performance Technologies has said that with its platform, large carriers are outfitted with ranges of their own IMSI numbers designated for smaller carriers to assign their customers for roaming. So, smaller carriers could first make roaming agreements with the large carriers, and then offer their customers widespread roaming coverage, dependent on the larger carrier's network.

This, according to Bob Mason, director of marketing for Performance Technologies, will drive competition among smaller carriers vying for the best roaming coverage and among the large carriers vying for the smaller carriers as customers. What's more is that it will give customers of small wireless carriers seamless coverage over major wireless networks.

Performance Technologies' GSM Signaling Platform is operational today in Europe and the company said it is planning to offer it in the United States in the future as well.