Fixed-mobile convergence benefits carriers and customers

Advances promise cheaper calls over Wi-Fi and easier access to data apps on the move

Generic Access Network (GAN) technology, the new name for Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) since its approval by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), is a godsend for operators, say experts, but the extent of user demand has yet to be determined.

GAN defines fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) technology that integrates third-generation (3G) cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology into a single mobile device, allowing users to make hands-free voice calls at less cost over Wi-Fi networks, and browse the internet and use other data applications over mobile infrastructure.

By using smaller Wi-Fi cell sizes, the operators will be able to provide subscribers with better bandwidth for voice or video IP, or other data-based applications, using low-cost, widely available licence-free spectrum.

“The ubiquity of cellular plus the higher capacity of Wi-Fi gives operators extra bandwidth for only a few extra dollars of cost,” said Dr Jeffrey Torrance, vice-president of FMC solutions at silicon firm CSR, which is building and testing low-power chipsets for use in a new generation of mobiles.

Handsets that combine all three types of connectivity are still at the prototype stage, though Nokia, Motorola and others have released dual-mode UMA handsets that combine 2.5G GPRS and Wi-Fi, but not Bluetooth or 3G technology. BT offers a dual-mode GSM/Bluetooth phone as part of its Fusion residential service, and experts believe the consumer market will develop long before corporate demand catches up.

Jay Anderson, Motorola vice-president of sales and operations for Asia Networks, said he was confident that battery life and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth interference issues (both use the same 2.4GHz waveband) would soon be solved. He believes that the real challenge is to make sure connections are not dropped between access points and that services can be uniformly delivered and billed for over any access technology.

“Those trials are ongoing today; the fundamental challenge is to integrate those mobile services from the IP Multimedia Subsystem [IMS] perspective to ensure full seamless mobility,” Anderson said.