BT delays Project Bluephone launch

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BT delays Project Bluephone launch
Handset manufacturers given more time to develop UMA standards

Gareth Morgan, vnunet.com 20 Jul 2004
ADVERTISEMENTBT has delayed the launch of Project Bluephone, its package to offer fixed-line and mobile communication from the same device, to give handset manufacturers time to adopt the same standards.

The telco said that it now expects to launch the Bluephone service next spring. It had been due by the end of this year.

Alcatel, Ericsson and Motorola are currently working with BT to develop the Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) standards. BT claims the postponed Bluephone launch is to allow manufacturers to adopt UMA.

"This approach has ultimately resulted in the delay of a few months in our Project Bluephone launch but we firmly believe this is in the interests of our customers," said Steven Evans, chief executive of BT Mobile, in a statement.

Bluephone handsets use a Bluetooth wireless access point, either at home or in the office, and from there connect onto the fixed-line network.

If they move out of coverage range, they switch to Vodafone's GSM or 3G network.