EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) technology is a modulation technique for GSM networks. An Enhanced DataRates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is used to increase network capacity and data rates in mobile networks. EDGE provides data rates up to 384 Kbps.

EDGE is a major improvement in Global System for Mobile (GSM) technology that allows consumers to use cellular handsets, PC cards, PDAs and other wireless devices to connect to the Internet at data rates up to four times faster than existing GSM and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) wireless devices. EDGE is easily implemented upon the existing network infrastructure with more than 23 mobile-service operators worldwide already having committed to support the technology. In the United States, operators such as AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile and Cingular Wireless are currently installing EDGE infrastructure over their entire existing network footprints. According to analyst firm Instat/MDR, 64 percent of cellular handsets worldwide will operate on the GSM standard in 2003.

T-Mobile has enhanced its GPRS data network with EDGE, improving the overall user experience when accessing data and rich content. EDGE delivers throughput speeds on the network for end users with EDGE-enabled devices up to 4 times the current rate. The service will address more than 90% of the current T-Mobile data traffic representing over 75% of T-Mobile’s network footprint.

Further enhancements to GSM networks are provided by Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technology. EDGE provides up to three times the data capacity of GPRS. Using EDGE, operators can handle three times more subscribers than GPRS; triple their data rate per subscriber, or add extra capacity to their voice communications. EDGE uses the same TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) frame structure, logic channel and 200kHz carrier bandwidth as today's GSM networks, which allows it to be overlaid directly onto an existing GSM network. For many existing GSM/GPRS networks, EDGE is a simple software-upgrade.

EDGE allows the delivery of advanced mobile services such as the downloading of video and music clips, full multimedia messaging, high-speed colour Internet access and e-mail on the move.

NOTE: The speed of the EDGE network will depend on multiple factors, including network changes, traffic volume, service outages, technical limitations, signal strength, your equipment, terrain, structures, weather, and the overall performance of the Internet. EDGE may be unavailable in certain areas. If EDGE is unavailable in a user’s service area, the user will experience GPRS performance/speeds.

T-Mobile’s EDGE enhanced data network provides fast and easy access to Internet information on the go. There is no added cost for EDGE service. Customers seamlessly drop back to GPRS when not in EDGE coverage areas or when EDGE coverage is not available.

T-Mobile’s GPRS/EDGE network is further enhanced by offering the largest carrier-class, high-speed wireless broadband network with T-Mobile HotSpot locations conveniently located in over 6,000 locations in the US…and growing every day!