3G Connection Made Between Japan and Europe

Alcatel has successfully connected the 3G networks in Japan and The Netherlands for a demonstration organised by DoCoMo. Alcatel's SDH systems for metro applications enabled the transport of 3G mobile traffic between DoCoMo's FOMA 3G commercial systems located in Japan and its base station modem at KPN Mobile's premises in the Netherlands, at speeds up to 40 times faster than today's current standard GSM offers.

The interoperability of Alcatel's transmission systems and mobile operators' 3G wireless equipment allows for optimizing 3G radio transport networks by offering cost-effective and efficient transfer of 3G services, such as videophone and high-speed data services. Interconnection among base stations can be achieved regardless of the continent they are located in and without leasing additional lines from third parties. This means that mobile operators can realize significant savings in terms of reducing capital expenditures, as the network can be expanded incrementally where and when needed.

NTT DoCoMo's 3G wireless systems employ Alcatel's metro Optical Multi-Service Node (OMSN) products equipped with Integrated Service Adapter (ISA) plug-in cards to bridge ATM traffic. The integration of ISA plug-in cards transforms the OMSN products into highly efficient and cost-effective multi-service provisioning platforms, supporting traditional voice and leased-line traffic, and addresses the growing demand for broadband services such as Ethernet, ATM and IP.

"The interconnection achieved will greatly impact the ability of operators to optimize the transmission capacity of their 3G mobile networks, as well as roll out data services to their subscribers quicker," said Romano Valussi, president of Alcatel's optical networks activities. "The trial with NTT DoCoMo, which is at the forefront of 3G solutions and services, demonstrates Alcatel's ability to enable carriers to optimize their networks by delivering any type of service everywhere and improve customer satisfaction"

Posted to the site on 26th May 2003