MobilenniuM Express
3G Industry news from the UMTS Forum
16 March 2009

Wireless Industry Leaders Launch Voice over LTE Initiative Based on 3GPP Generic Access Network Standard
A group of leading equipment vendors and carriers have founded a standards-setting association for delivering voice over LTE networks, named the Voice over LTE via Generic Access (VoLGA) Forum.  The VoLGA Forum aims to define a common set of specifications for enabling delivery of voice and messaging services over all-IP packet-based LTE networks based on the current 3GPP Generic Access Network (GAN) standard to ensure a smooth transition for voice traffic currently delivered mostly over circuit-switched networks.

HSPA Drives Mobile Infrastructure Market Growth in 2008
A report published by market information provider Dell’Oro Group has revealed that the HSPA technology was the major driver behind the dynamic growth of the WCDMA market in 2008. The rapid expansion of the WCDMA subscriber base, with 100 million net new additions during 2008 coupled with a doubling of HSPA devices, encouraged operators to invest in HSPA upgrades.   

Vodafone Portugal launches Visual Voice Mail for iPhone
Vodafone Portugal has unveiled Vodafone Visual Voice Mail for the iPhone. The new service enables customers to view their voice messages together with Voice Mail options on their iPhone screen. Vodafone Visual Voice Mail is available for free via an update from iTunes.

AT&T to Invest More Than $17 Billion in 2009 to Drive Economic Growth
US telecoms group AT&T has announced plans to invest between US$17-18 billion in 2009, of which approximately two-thirds has been assigned to extend and enhance wireless and wired broadband networks. As part of its 2009 broadband investment in its wireless unit, AT&T will add more than 2,100 cell sites across the country to enhance coverage and reliability across its footprint and will expand its 3G network to 20 new markets. 3G services will be also expanded using additional 850 MHz spectrum, which will nearly double the total network capacity in most markets.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers Receives T-Mobile Certificate for its Notebook Range
Fujitsu Siemens Computers has received the T-Mobile International certificate for its two notebook lines, All LIFEBOOK and ESPRIMO Mobile, which feature integrated mobile broadband. The notebooks have been tested by T-Mobile in a mobile broadband environment within T-Mobile’s WCDMA/HSPA network. All models from the LIFEBOOK and ESPRIMO Mobile series will be distributed in partnership with T-Mobile.

Ericsson to Build 3G Network for Turkcell
Turkey’s leading mobile operator Turkcell has selected Sweden’s Ericsson to build a complete WCDMA/HSPA network and as the main supplier of a range of related services. Under the terms of the deal, Ericsson will deploy a WCDMA/HSPA radio access network, along with an IP-over-Ethernet-enabled mobile backhaul based on microwave transmission. Ericsson will also provide systems integration, technical support and network rollout and implementation services.