Alcatel Offers GSM in the WiFi Spectrum

Alcatel says that it is launching a solution for Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), which provides access to GSM and GPRS mobile services over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi unlicensed spectrum technologies. By deploying UMA technology, service providers can enable their subscribers to roam and handover between cellular networks and public and private unlicensed wireless networks using dual-mode GSM/GPRS and UMA-enabled handsets or PDAs.

Alcatel's UMA solution offers all the flexibility to cost-effectively integrate into legacy circuit-switched core network as well as into Mobile NGN (Next Generation Networks). When coupled with Alcatel's Mobile NGN solution based on the Alcatel 5020 Spatial Atrium multi-standard mobile call server/softswitch, Alcatel's combined Mobile NGN-UMA solution provides mobile operators with an optimized solution, which fully reuses the existing transcoding capability of the core network.

"Alcatel's UMA solution epitomizes our leadership position in converged mobile and fixed communications solutions for both traditional and renovated networks," stated Marc Rouanne, Chief operating officer of Alcatel's mobile communications activities. "This solution provides an attractive new business opportunities for GSM/GPRS operators ready to leverage the new 'one user = one device' paradigm."

In low-density rural areas, an additional benefit derived from Alcatel's UMA solution is the possibility for a mobile operator to economically extend the geographical coverage of its GSM network. Furthermore, in densely populated business areas, Alcatel's UMA solution allows GSM/GPRS operators to provide their clients with an alternative low-cost high-quality indoor coverage solution."

Posted to the site on 8th June 2005