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Nokia and Vodafone carry out 3G WCDMA call handover to GSM network
November 29, 2002
WCDMA technology proves to be the first wideband 3G technology
ready to be launched commercially on IMT-2000 frequencies and the
only 3G technology interworking with 2G world
Nokia has performed successful voice call handovers between a live
3G WCDMA network to Vodafone Omnitel’s commercial 2G GSM network
in Italy. The handovers were completed using Nokia 6650 terminals
and Vodafone Omnitel’s existing GSM and WCDMA infrastructure, which
has been supplied by Nokia. Moreover, the GSM network is being upgraded
and tested to support such intersystem handovers nationwide.
Handovers between WCDMA to GSM are crucial to 2G-3G interworking,
and will be key to the success of the smooth introduction of WCDMA.
Handovers in the direction of 3G to 2G – as Nokia and Vodafone
Omnitel have now demonstrated – are especially important in the
initial phases of WCDMA deployment since WCDMA coverage will, in
the early phases, not be as ubiquitous as GSM service. By ensuring
successful handovers to the surrounding 2G GSM network, operators
can provide seamless service for users who roam out of WCDMA coverage,
even if they are engaged in a call. Successful handovers mean uninterrupted
service during 3G rollout.
"We are extremely encouraged by the success of this call handover
with Vodafone Omnitel," says Alessandro DiSalvo, 3G Program
Manager, Vodafone Business Team, Nokia Networks, "This is an
important first step. Moving forward we will continue this work
together with the live 3G and 2G networks to test handovers in both
directions and with data services, as well as interoperability testing
with other vendors’ terminal equipment."
“It is significant that these calls were carried out in a commercial
GSM network that has been upgraded to support handovers from WCDMA.
This clearly demonstrates that WCDMA service is ready for real,
live network installations,” he adds.
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3G Motorola A920
