Sonera: INCREASED RESIDENTIAL CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY PROVIDED BY GSM TECHNOLOGY
September 27, 2000
New premises control and follow-up system
Sonera Corporation and Tammercom Finland Oy have developed a real-estate management system utilizing GSM technology. Thanks to the system, the functions of the home can be easily managed and followed-up by means of a mobile phone or Sonera's Internet pages. The system - aimed at households - will enter into the markets at the turn of the year.
With the help of the real-estate system, it is possible to safely monitor and control the technical functions at home. This monitoring and control is possible wherever a GSM phone operates. The basic package meant for households also consists of a burglar alarm and intelligent fire alarm system. Besides these features, it has the facilities for several different functions. If, for example, the valve of the washing machine breaks, the system informs of the leakage by means of a text message. If a magnetic valve is connected to the dampness indicator, the water inflow is stopped and, thus, water damages are avoided.
"The real-estate system now developed is a handy way to facilitate every-day life. For instance, it is nice to step into a lighted yard in winter. You can activate the sauna to warm up in advance by sending a text message, and your outdoor day is crowned by an already warm sauna," says Mikko Mattila of Sonera, when describing the benefits of the new system. Mr. Mattila continues, "Inauguration of the system is very easy: it can be installed into an existing apartment or building. It can, furthermore, be modified in accordance with the user needs and applications. Another significant benefit is the affordability of the basic package; the price to consumers is only around FIM 5,000."
When developing the system, what was one of the most important aims was user-friendliness. The only visible part of the real-estate system, i.e. palmtop terminal furnished with screen, is small and can be installed at fairly invisible places. The actual management of operations takes place by a GSM mobile phone or via Sonera's Internet pages. The system transfers the information as a text message to the GSM numbers specified by the customer. The operational safety of the system is ensured by customer-identification methods. The real-estate system was test-run at the Housing Fair in Tuusula last summer, where it was embraced by the public, particularly due to its easy-to-use and practical nature.
"Sonera provides our company with an extensive distribution network and expertise in the field," says Markku Koskenniemi, President of Tammercom Finland Oy. He elaborates, "In addition to the basic model targeted at households, we plan to offer even more versatile alternatives with additional functions. We are developing an extensive model that meets with the requirements of new building complexes, housing associations, companies, and industrial real estates, to name but a few."
For further information, please contact:
Sonera Corporation,
Vice President Mikko Mattila,
tel. +358 2040 58858, +358 400 470015 e-mail: mikko.mattila@sonera.com
Development Manager Kimmo Tarvainen,
tel. +358 2040 63637, +358 40 5239533
e-mail: Kimmo.tarvainen@sonera.com
Tammercom Finland Oy,
President Markku Koskenniemi,
tel. +358 3-283 1111, +358 50 502 0220
The picture of the system can be found from the following address: sonera.fi
Sonera (HEX: SRA, NASDAQ: SNRA) is an international forerunner in mobile communications and mobile-based services and applications. By combining its expertise in mobile communications, the Internet and service provision, Sonera aims to develop into a global communications operator and provider of transaction and content services. The company also provides advanced data communications solutions to businesses, and fixed network voice services in Finland and its nearby areas. In 1999, Sonera's revenues amounted to EUR 1.85 billion and profit before extraordinary items and taxes was EUR 0.5 billion.
sonera.fi
/Joar |
