Mobile-phone carriers are preparing to offer a service that would seamlessly and automatically switch cellular calls to Wi-Fi networks once a customer is within range of a participating network. This dual-mode approach could save consumers service minutes, as some of the time they currently spend using cellular service would be spent using Wi-Fi. This could be particularly appealing in Europe, where cellular rates are high. In the US, the technology could enable users to buy less expensive cellular-service packages that offer fewer minutes per month. Meanwhile, the plan would give cellular customers access to highspeed Wi-Fi networks for video, games, Web access, and other dataintensive services, which could attract subscribers.And the use of Wi-Fi home networks for telephony might convince some users to give up landlines for mobile carriers’ cellular/Wi-Fi services, which provides Unlicensed Mobile Access equipment for the new approach.

UMA is the protocol—developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project, a consortium of telecommunication companies and organizations—that defines how to package a circuit-based voice call for transmission via an IP network, such as one based on Wi-Fi.

Carrier interested in this approach: T-Mobile USA, Cingular, Sprint Nextel, Telecom Italia, TeliaSonera, Orange.

The Wi-Fi aspect of dual-mode services uses voice-over-IP telephony, sending data packets over IEEE 802.11b and g networks. 802.11b has a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second, and 802.11g provides 54 Mbps, while third-generation cellular promises only up to 4 Mbps.

In a typical dual-mode approach, a network controller seamlessly passes calls between a cellular basestation controller and a UMA basestation controller, which packages the cellular signals into an IP format and tunnels them over the Internet. Dual-mode users would have to work with a Wi-Fi network that their cell phone carrier either provides or interacts with, such as one in an airport or a coffee shop.

However, Wi-Fi isn’t as energy-efficient as cellular service and thus could drain mobilephone batteries quickly.

(source: IEEE Computer Society)

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