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| UMA Services |
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| Fundamentally, UMA provides a standard, scalable, secure IP interface into the core service network of mobile operators. By deploying a UMA Network Controller (UNC), mobile operators can extend all existing and future circuit, packet and IMS-based services over any IP-based access network, including the Internet. While initially developed to enable dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handset services, the UMA standard can be leveraged to deliver a number of compelling new fixed-mobile convergence services. |
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UMA-enabled Dual-Mode Wi-Fi Handsets: By far the most well-known UMA service is dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handsets (DMH), which enables operators to provide high-performance, low-cost mobile services to subscribers when in range of a home, office or public Wi-Fi network. With a UMA-enabled dual-mode Wi-Fi handset, subscribers can automatically roam and handover between cellular and Wi-Fi access, receiving a consistent set of services as they transition between networks.
UMA-enabled Femtocells: UMA-enabled femtocells represent an upcoming UMA service opportunity. The wireless industry has been searching for low-cost licensed indoor coverage solutions since the beginning of mobile networks. Unfortunately, the bulk of this opportunity (i.e. residential environments) has been beyond the addressable market for cost and operational reasons. To be successful, a residential licensed access point (i.e. femtocell) deployment must include low-cost femtocells (under €150), a reasonable approach for managing RF interference, and a standard, scalable, IP-based approach for core network integration.
While recent developments from 2G/3G silicon and femtocells access points vendors promise to address the cost and interference issues over the next several years, a viable solution for core network integration has remained. As UMA provides standard, secure, scaleable, and cost effective IP-based access into core mobile service networks, it can be directly leveraged to address this challenge, and several UMA-enabled femtocell efforts are currently underway.
UMA-enabled Terminal Adaptors: The market for broadband telephony service has increased dramatically over the last twelve months. At the end of 2006, Vonage Holdings alone had more than 2 million subscribers paying between $15 and $25 per month for a telephone service delivered over existing broadband access connections. Now, with UMA-enabled terminal adaptors, mobile operators can also participate in this large and growing service opportunity. A UMA-based fixed line VoIP service is the ideal approach for mobile operators looking to increase fixed-to-mobile substitution by directly capturing in-home fixed minutes of use.
UMA-enabled terminal adaptors enable mobile operators to leverage an existing R99 or R4 core network to deliver a standard analog telephone service over broadband access networks (a.k.a. broadband telephony). As far as subscribers are concerned, the service behaves as a standard analog fixed telephone line. The service is delivered in a manner similar to other fixed line VoIP services, where a simple device (in this case the UMA-enabled terminal adaptor) is connected to the subscriber's existing broadband service.
UMA-enabled Softmobiles: Connecting laptops to broadband access at hotels and Wi-Fi hot spots has become a standard part of everyday life, particularly for international business travelers. In addition, many travelers are beginning to utilize laptops and broadband connections for the purpose of voice communications. Rather than using mobile phones to make calls and pay significant roaming fees, they are turning to PC-based soft-phones and VoIP services when making international calls. This represents a significant threat and opportunity for mobile operators.
Fortunately, thanks to UMA, mobile operators will soon be able to leverage their existing UNC deployments to also provide soft-phone (or soft-mobile) services. To use a UMA-enabled softmobile service, a subscriber would simply place a USB memory stick with an embedded SIM into a USB port on their laptop. The UMA-enabled softmobile client would automatically launch and connect over IP to the home mobile service provider. From that point on, the subscriber would be able to make and receive mobile calls as if he or she was in their home calling area. The service would function in a similar manner to soft-phone clients provided by VoIP providers such as Vonage.
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