Falcom signs for GSM/GPRS modules

Falcom Wireless Communications has chosen Telit as its future strategic partner for GSM/GPRS modules, which will be used as core components in its innovative solutions. Initial products, which are being developed on the basis of the world's smallest quad-band GSM/GPRS module from Telit, include new applications for vehicle and device tracking. The co-operation agreement, which came into effect in July 2006, has a volume of around Eur 3 million and offers both companies additional synergies: thanks to Telit, Falcom has access to the M2M module market's most state-of-the-art core technologies.

Telit Communications will in turn be expanding its position on the industry and consumer market.

Through Falcom, Telit will be able to serve numerous niche markets either directly or indirectly that require adaptation of the modules to specific needs and rapid implementation.

'We have every confidence in Telit's innovative strength', explains Ralf Leipoldt, CEO of Falcom.

'The company offers us an extremely promising development roadmap and is already supplying us with the GE864-QUAD, an outstanding GSM/GPRS quad-band module'.

This gives Falcom a component for all GSM networks that enable the company to significantly optimise its logistics.

Falcom is also establishing its development processes with Telit's continued support.

Telit will provide Falcom with support through development-related measures and in some cases open up sales channels for Falcom products.

Falcom is currently focusing on the development of applications in the segments of automatic meter reading, automated vehicle location (AVL) and personal tracking solutions.

By the end of the year, for example, the two new developments Dinrail Quad, an AMR modem, and the Bolero Quad are set to go into series production.

The Bolero Quad is equipped with the GE864 and a SiRFstarIII receiver.

Cars and devices can thus be located almost anywhere in the world.

The compact and power-saving device is therefore ideal as a stand-alone solution for fleet management, car security, navigation and route planning.

Both applications are characterised by a compact design.

As a result, Falcom has decided to use the GE864-Quad module from Telit.

Thanks to its external dimensions of just 30 x 30 x 2.8mm and a weight of just 7g, the GSM/GPRS module is particularly suitable for use in small and handy end-user terminals which users can carry with them easily and do not need any laborious installation when used in cars.

With the GE864, Telit - so far the world's only module manufacturer to do so - is offering a GSM/GPRS module with the BGA installation concept (ball grid array).

This concept saves time and money, as the module can be installed using the 'pick and place' method and does away with the need for plugs and cables.

A further criterion in the decision for the module from Telit was its quad-band compatibility.

'On the M2M market, the trend is developing clearly towards quad-band applications'.

'They can be marketed all over the world and replace dual-band and tri-band devices without any extra charges', says Leipoldt.

Falcom has a wide portfolio of various applications featuring a number of different core technologies.

Falcom is not planning to pursue its own developments at chip level.

Instead, the company is looking to work with strong technology partners such as Telit to contribute their innovative strength to the range of applications on the M2M market.

Thanks to Falcom, Telit is able to address niche markets that need rapid adaptation of modules to their specific needs.