services. What the industry is quickly realizing is that
fundamentally, UMA is not just about dual-mode handset
service, but rather it is a generic approach for providing
highly scalable, secure access to mobile circuit, packet and
IMS-based services over the Internet. In effect, UMA is
quickly changing to represent `Universal' Mobile Access
rather than `Unlicensed' Mobile Access.
3G handset services, UMA-based femtocell services,
UMA-based dual-mode handsets services for the
enterprise, UMA-based fixed VoIP services and UMA-
based softphone (or softmobile) services.
2.5G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE)/Wi-Fi handsets. What is less
known is that the existing 3GPP UMA standard also
supports the development of tri-mode 3G/2.5G/Wi-Fi
handsets and allows for seamless handovers between 3G,
2G and Wi-Fi networks. UMA-enabled, tri-mode handsets
are expected to enter the market in 2007.
address the challenges of indoor 3G coverage. With recent
advances in silicon and radio frequency (RF) planning,
technology companies such as picoChip, Ubiquisys,
RadioFrame and ipAccess are on track to break the price
barriers that have impeded a consumer-grade licensed
radio access point designed for home or small office use.
the existing mobile network are woefully inadequate.
services over the Internet, is being directly leveraged to
address the femtocell core network integration challenge.
broadband IP access networks," said Will Franks,
chief technology officer at Ubiquisys. "UMA provides
a standard, scalable, cost-effective IP-based access
infrastructure that can be leveraged by femtocells in
the same manner as it is currently used by dual-mode
handsets. Operators will benefit from our low-cost
scalable IP interface into the
mobile core network.
Service Opportunity