3G Americas and NGMN Alliance Initiate Cooperation on Next-Gen Networks

3G Americas, a wireless industry trade association representing the GSM family of technologies, and the Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance have announced a cooperation agreement between the two associations in support of the development and commercialization of next generation mobile broadband technologies and services.

The cooperation agreement between NGMN and 3G Americas will focus on areas related to next generation mobile broadband, including information exchange, project-based cooperation and work on public relations, marketing and advocacy opportunities.

First joint activities will be around the NGMN Alliance's session "Tools for Success - Enablers and key success factors for deployment of next generation mobile networks" at the Broadband World Forum at CTIA Wireless 2009. On April 2, leading industry executives will be discussing technical options, implications and success factors related to the transition towards next generation networks with representatives of NGMN, 3G Americas and others during this featured session.

NGMN is an organization founded to evaluate candidate technologies to develop a common view of suitable solutions for the next evolution of wireless networks. In June 2008, LTE was confirmed by the NGMN as the first technology which meets its recommendations. Now, as both NGMN and 3G Americas support 3GPP LTE/SAE, the working agreement between the two bodies will enable development and deployment of commercial mobile broadband based on this standard.

"Our agreement with 3G Americas will allow us to work cohesively in the successful implementation of next generation mobile technology throughout the Americas region," stated Dr. Peter Meissner, Operating Officer of the NGMN Alliance. "There is already strong operator support by leading GSM and CDMA operators in adopting LTE for future evolutions. 3G Americas has proven itself successful in paving a smooth path for mobile operators adopting new 3GPP technologies and we are pleased to be able to work together to ensure future market success."

The Americas region currently has 45 commercial HSPA networks in 22 countries and the natural 3GPP evolution will lead these operators to deploy LTE. In addition, leading CDMA operators from around the globe have announced their next generation technology evolution to LTE. Worldwide, there are more than 100 operators who have announced plans to trial or deploy LTE for next generation mobile broadband. The vast majority of leading operators, device and infrastructure manufacturers support LTE as the mobile broadband technology of the future.

Chris Pearson, President of 3G Americas, commented, "Collaborating with NGMN Alliance on areas of common interest to both our organizations benefits the wireless industry and customers in the Americas region. Our joint focus is not only on wireless technology evolution, but will also include spectrum policies, regulation and establishing a complete mobile broadband ecosystem to support the social and economic development in this region. We are honoured to be associated with this important global wireless organization."

Posted to the site on 11th February 2009