Siemens Selects Network Testing Partner

Siemens Mobile has appointed Radio Frequency Investigation (RFI) as a 'preferred partner' for mobile handset testing specified by UK network operators. The relationship, thought to be the first of its kind, started in March when RFI tested Siemens' CL50 phone on behalf of O2. In the ensuing months RFI has tested more than fifteen new Siemens and Xelibri handsets. For some operators RFI now carries out all the tests they once did themselves, other operators have currently handed over around fifty per cent of tests.

Network operator tests confirm the performance of mobile handsets and give confidence to manufacturers and operators alike. They are a combination of laboratory and field tests (live network testing). They vary from operator to operator, some placing more emphasis on laboratory testing, others on field trials, and take up to four weeks to complete. As the technology in mobiles grows more complex, to accommodate features like picture messaging and video clips, test time has increased to six or eight weeks.

"This is an excellent example of value add for our major customers, time to market is critical for all parties involved. Improving time to market gives additional opportunities for increasing revenues for Siemens Mobile, ARPU for our operator customers and margin for retailers and dealers", explains Jonathan Bate, Vice President of Siemens Mobile Northern Europe.

"Siemens Mobile UK approached UK network operators and asked if they'd be happy for a trusted third party company to carry out some of the tests on their behalf," explains Jonathan. "There was some understandable nervousness at first, but we worked closely together to select the test house that we felt would be the best partner. Building trust and confidence was all-important."

Stuart Hibbard, Director of Device Technology at O2, is a big fan of this approach. "I see it as the best way forward for Siemens and O2. It provides wins for both companies in terms of speed to market, reducing development time, and confidence in software releases."

Richard Jacklin, RFI's operations director added, "This relationship is an excellent demonstration of how qualification testing can be applied to gain competitive advantage for both manufacturer and operator. With the progression of standards and technology for cellular systems, everyone in the business; manufacturers, operators and test consulting companies such as RFI must think smart and laterally in order to deliver good quality terminals in the shortest possible time. RFI translated the idea into a practical solution and by homogenising requirements produced efficient test plans for each network".

Getting products to market earlier meant a significant increase in phones shipped to the UK, providing a competitive edge and helping to increase profit and market share. The initiative will be rolled out across Europe during the first quarter of 2004."

Posted to the site on 16th February 2004