LONDON — Thirteen leading wireless infrastructure providers, handset makers and network operators have teamed to promote a set of open specifications for extending mobile voice and data services over Wireless LANs.
Companies that participated in the development of the Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) specifications include Alcatel, AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., BT plc, Cingular Wireless LLC, Ericsson AB, Kineto Wireless Inc., Motorola, Inc., Nokia, Nortel Networks, Inc., O2, Rogers Wireless Inc., Siemens AG, Sony Ericsson, and T-Mobile USA. The group is hoping others will join in the effort.
The specifications are targeted at service providers looking to deploy interoperable solutions that enable subscribers to roam and handover seamlessly between cellular networks and public and private WLANs using dual-mode mobile handsets.
In addition to developing and maintaining the initial specifications, the companies are working with the 3GPP standards organization to use the specifications as the basis for the development of a formal standard.
With UMA technology, subscribers receive a consistent set of mobile voice and data services as they transition between access networks. Solutions based on the UMA specifications support the handover of active mobile voice calls and data sessions between networks, ensuring no interruption of service.
"There has been no shortage of one-off fixed-mobile products and solutions over the years," said Peter Jarich, senior analyst, wireless infrastructure, Current Analysis. "The release of the UMA specifications is especially important because they point to a critical mass of carrier interest in convergence while finally providing vendors with an open set of specifications to build to."
John O'Connell, president and chief executive officer, Kineto Wireless, said: "We believe the UMA specifications for Cellular/WLAN convergence represent a significant milestone within the wireless industry."
UMA technology provides access to GSM and GPRS mobile services over unlicensed spectrum technologies, including Bluetooth and 802.11.
The specifications ensure interoperability similar to any other industry specifications, but the specifications may include options and parameters that have to be agreed bilaterally with other vendors. Importantly, the UMA participating companies do not guarantee interoperability and the specifications may be upgraded without notice.
More information about UMA technology, as well as access to the UMA specifications, is available athttp.www.umatechnology.org
