One handset does it all - the way we will communicate in the future!

The next development step in telecommunication is the convergence of the fixed and mobile networks to give customers the unique experience of communicating across both networks using one handheld device.

Preggie Govender, Executive Technology Management for Saab Grintek`s carrier division, explained this morning when speaking at SATNAC, the annual South African Telecommunications and Network applications Conference hosted by Telkom.

He said UMA - Unlicensed Mobile Access is the first step in this convergence process and is already well developed. The next step is for end-user device manufacturers to bring out a handset that can handle calls and data from both networks selecting the one that provides the best communication at a given place and time.

Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology provides access to GSM and GPRS mobile services as well as unlicensed spectrum technologies, including Bluetooth and 802.11 (WiFI). By deploying UMA technology, service providers can enable subscribers to roam and handover between cellular networks and public unlicensed wireless networks using dual-mode mobile handsets. With UMA, subscribers receive a consistent user experience for their mobile voice and data services as they transition between networks.

A mobile subscriber with a UMA-enabled, dual-mode handset moves within range of an unlicensed wireless network to which the handset is allowed to connect. Upon connecting, the handset contacts the UMA Network Controller (UNC) over the broadband IP access network to be authenticated and authorised to access voice and data services. If approved, the subscriber`s current location information stored in the core network is updated, and from that point on all mobile voice and data traffic is routed to the handset via the Unlicensed Mobile Access Network rather than the mobile radio access network.

When a UMA-enabled subscriber moves outside the range of an unlicensed wireless network to which they are connected, the UMA controller and handset facilitate roaming back to the mobile network. This roaming process is completely transparent to the subscriber.

If a subscriber is on an active GSM voice call or GPRS data session when they come within range (or out of range) of an unlicensed wireless network, that voice call or data session can automatically handover between access networks with no discernable service interruption.

"The concept of fixed mobile convergence should be attractive to fixed line operators as they will be able to grow their customer base by offering access to MobileVoice and data to their customers once they move outside the locally enabled UMA system connected to their network," Govender said. "In other words, one can start a telephone conversation in the office or home using a fixed line connection and continue the conversation from the car without the need to redial or interrupt the conversation.

"It may sound like science fiction," he said. "It is real! A number of equipment suppliers within the wireless industry have jointly developed a set of open specifications. In addition to developing and maintaining the initial specifications, the participating companies are actively working with the 3GPP standards organisation to use the specifications as the basis for the development of a formal standard," Govender said.

As part of his presentation at SATNAC, Preggie Govender showed a table of UMA features which clearly illustrated the advanced state of the development of such a system and the quality of service that customers can expect.

Saab Grintek is working closely with a number of cutting-edge technology partners in evaluating UMA as a solution for Fixed Mobile Convergence in South Africa. Saab Grintek has many years experience in fixed line and mobile communication networks in Africa and is well placed in taking this development forward. "We have the expertise and the engineers to make it happen," Govender said.