First Ever Seamless Handover Between GSM and 3G Made

Ericsson has announced the first live, dual mode WCDMA/GSM calls with seamless handover between the two modes. The demonstration, which was performed for Telia and Hi3G (Hutchison Whampoa), also included high data rate in live WCDMA/GSM networks.

The SonyEricsson test handsets used are based on a commercial platform developed by Ericsson Mobile Platforms, and are designed for interoperability tests with different networks and as proof of concept for customers using the 3G platform from Ericsson. The mobile platform solution is capable of full WCDMA and GSM/GPRS dual mode, including handover.Power consumption and battery capacity of the handsets used is equal to today's GSM phones.

"This is a key milestone for our 3G development. It is extremely important for our customers to try our platform integrated in a small-sized handset. Now we can offer mobile phone manufacturers a complete end-to-end-proven WCDMA/GSM dual mode platform," says Tord Wingren, President of Ericsson Mobile Platforms.

"Today's demonstration is an important step for launching our services for mobile moving pictures, which require high data rates. We are indeed confident in Ericsson's capability to deliver high quality solutions for 3G-services that our customers demand," says Chris Bannister CEO, Hi3G (Hutchison Whampoa).

Allowing the user to seamlessly hand over calls between different networks is an important step in the 3G roll out. Handover makes it possible for incumbent operators to expand their 3G networks and offer consumers complete coverage right from the start by combining existing GSM network with the new WCDMA networks.'"

Posted to the site on 25th September 2002