ST-NXP Wireless Brings 3G/UMA to Mass Market

ST-NXP Wireless says the world's first 3G unlicensed mobile access (UMA) chipset platform is now in mass production, paving the way for a new range of converged fixed and mobile phones with enhanced multimedia capabilities.

Dual-mode 3G UMA handsets allow customers to seamlessly roam and handover between UMTS cellular networks, GSM/EDGE networks, and home or enterprise Wi-Fi access points. In addition to significant improvements in connectivity and voice quality, the Cellular System Solution 7210 UMA will deliver data speeds at more than 1 Mbits/sec over UMA. This new development means customers can use one device for fast Internet browsing, streaming video services or access to social networks over the fastest available 3G or Wi-Fi network. When in range, users can take advantage of Wi-Fi to download content and make more affordable voice calls than they can over cellular networks.

"The next phase of fixed mobile convergence (FMC) services will be about giving customers a faster, richer and simpler broadband experience," said Dan Rabinovitsj, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cellular Systems, ST-NXP Wireless. "With the Cellular System Solution 7210 UMA, we're able to deliver high-quality streaming video and fast download speeds. In a WiFi hotspot, consumers will notice the difference in speed when accessing popular social networking sites, and the smooth video quality when watching their favourite clips online. This brings to consumers the broadband speed they typically enjoy on the PC, through a UMTS feature phone."

UMA will provide better indoor coverage where cellular is limited, as well as reduce network congestion in dense urban areas by offloading traffic to fixed broadband lines. In both cases this will provide a measurable improvement in the quality of service for end users.

Posted to the site on 15th December 2008