Network Infrastructure

The race is over?

It didn't seem likely, but vendors are now claiming that every European operator is considering EDGE and even going so far as to declare the discussions over. Keith Dyer reviews how the race was run.

The old Irish

3G contracts stack up

The continuing battle for contracts to supply 3G infrastructure to Europe's mobile operators has brought some relief to Motorola, which was able to announce its first UMTS contract.

GSM for planes company has maritime version

Altobridge, the company which provides GSM connectivity on aeroplanes via satellite, has launched a maritime version of the system.

Siemens and Huawei start joint development of TD-SCDMA technology

Vendors set up $100 million joint venture to develop and promote the 3G technology

To mark the official start of the joint activities for 3G/TD-SCDMA mobile communication technology, Siemens Information and Communication Mobile (Siemens mobile) and Huawei Technologies

UMTS security --- the issues explained

In the light of security concerns on fixed IP networks it is clear that operators of 3G networks will need the absolute trust of subscribers if they want multi-media and other services to be successful. Establishing interoperable security

Push-to-talk is coming but standards must be in place

Handsets with push-to-talk (PTT) functionality will be the stocking filler of Christmas 2004, but operators need to make sure they have the right network systems in place to support the service, experts in the technology have warned.

SMS router to replace SMSC

Operators can gain a five times increase in SMS capacity by installing intelligent SMS routers in their network before messages hit the SMSC, according to two equipment vendors in the market.

Chinese are for Europe

Chinese manufacturer Huawei thinks its lower development costs will help it sell its 3G base station equipment and switches to UMTS operators in Europe.