Network handoff successful

In a move that paves the way for 4G wireless, LG Electronics and Nortel completed the first active handoff between a CDMA and a long-term evolution (LTE) network, reports InformationWeek.

The handoff was part of a demonstration in Ottawa, Canada, and it was conducted over 700MHz spectrum using an LG terminal and Nortel's CDMA and LTE networks.

The companies say the successful handoff showed that things like video downloads, Web surfing, and voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) calls can be maintained while moving between 4G and 3G networks.

Market researchers and analysts in recent weeks have called for wide adoption of mobile VOIP technology, including among cellular network operators, states TMCnet.

The reasons are varied, though many operators face high costs, as well as a lot of complexity and time as they seek to upgrade their networks to support mobile VOIP.

John Blau, a research analyst with Unstrung Insider, says mobile VOIP is “no longer just a cheap telephone call and the big advantage of VOIP is its ability to integrate with other systems and stimulate further adoption”.

Nokia is getting ready to unveil Nokia Money, which will offer basic financial services on mobile phones, according to PC World.

It will enable consumers to send money, pay for goods, services and bills, and recharge their prepaid SIM cards, according to Nokia.

Some Nokia phones will have the necessary client pre-installed, but users will also be able download and install the client on Nokia phones and devices from other vendors, says Nokia spokesman, Mark Durrant.