O2 builds towards 'all IP' digital mobile network

January 27, 2005

O2's plan to build towards an all Internet Protocol (IP) digital mobile multimedia core network has moved forward with the selection of the Siemens Communications Group, to deliver the latest IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) across the Group

The new system will form part of an O2-wide two-year programme to implement technology to enhance customer experience. The O2 programme covers:

-- the introduction of compelling mobile internet services across a range of devices through the NTT DoCoMo partnership by end of this year

-- roll-out of mobile broadband delivered via super-fast 3G network based on HSDPA technology during 2005, and Group-wide in 2006

-- the combination of mobile and IP to deliver instant and interactive multimedia services

-- customer trials of multi-channel mobile TV content via DVB-H in Spring 2005

Starting later in 2005, IMS-based services will be progressively rolled out across O2's businesses as part of a two-year programme. This technology will significantly enhance the customer experience of existing text, picture and video messaging services by enabling individuals and groups of users to establish an automated connection to instantly share content and interact in real-time.

Customers will also be able to choose from a range of new multimedia applications, such as enhanced instant messaging, push-to-talk and push-to-watch services, combined chat and picture messaging as well as sharing folders comprising contacts, music, games, videos and pictures. The push-to-talk service will be based on open standards and will utilise the IMS service support functions.

Available through a single user interface, each application will be 'presence' enabled, which means that a user can see if one or more intended recipients are 'in', when they might become free and, if desired, what kind of mood they are in. IMS will work over 3G and GPRS (2.5G) mobile data networks and complements O2's introduction of Europe's first commercial deployment of HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) technology, this summer, on the Isle of Man.

The system provides a foundation for additional advanced IMS services such as voice over IP and 'rich call' - the ability for users to seamlessly combine voice, video and data services. For example, during a call, a user could send a picture or video clip they have taken with their phone whilst continuing to talk. They could also simultaneously send a text and play an interactive, multiplayer game like chess or battleships.

Dave Williams, chief technology officer, O2, said: "The last year has been about browsing web pages and downloading games and ring-tones as well as sending and receiving text and picture messages. The focus over the next couple of years will be on enhancing those services, making them more instant and interactive, and delivering them more cost effectively.

"Today's announcement supports O2's plans to develop an 'all-IP' multimedia communications infrastructure by 2007. This will help stimulate new mobile data revenue streams as well as drive down ongoing operational costs by eliminating duplication across current multiple service specific networks and creating a single multi-service hub."

The Siemens IMS solution - called IMS@vantage - can be used with any packet-based mobile access technology such as GPRS, 3G and in conjunction with fixed networks and wireless LANs. IMS@vantage enables functions such as single sign-on registration, authentication, session set-up, security and unified billing across a range of applications and such offers fast deployment of new services coupled with significant operational cost savings against today's more piecemeal approach.