3GPP Approves 3G UMA

At the November 3GPP meeting, the GERAN working group approved a change request (CR) that added support for the 3G core network interfaces (Iu-CS and Iu-PS) to the UMA/GAN Stage 2 specification.  Approval of this CR formally created a 3G version of UMA, also referred to as “Iu-mode UMA.”

FAQ 1: I thought the 3GPP UMA/GAN standard already supported 3G handsets and services?

Correct. The 3GPP UMA/GAN standard already enabled the development of both 2.5G and 3G dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handsets. In fact, a number of 3G dual-mode handsets based on the original UMA specifications are in development today and expected to begin commercial availability in the first half of 2008. In addition, the 3GPP UMA standard already enabled the delivery of all "3G services," including all IMS- based services, to both 2.5G and 3G UMA-enabled dual-mode handsets when connected to Wi-Fi.

FAQ 2: So why did 3GPP add Iu-mode support to UMA?

Prior to this change request, the 3GPP UMA/GAN standard required a UMA Network Controller to only use the 2.5G interfaces (A and Gb) into a core mobile network. While this still allowed for the development of 3G handsets and delivery of 3G services, a number of mobile operators expressed their interest in being able to also leverage their 3G core network interfaces (Iu-CS and Iu-PS) in support their UMA service deployments.  The primary reasons that drove this request were the increased efficiency of the 3G core interfaces as well as the desire to begin shifting more capacity to their 3G core networks rather than their 2.5G cores.

FAQ 3: I understand UMA is now being leveraged to support 3G femtocell deployments.  Is this in support of that effort?

While support for 3G femtocell deployments was not a primary driver for adding Iu interface support to the 3GPP UMA/GAN standard, it does enable the development of UMA-enabled 3G femtocells.

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