Briefs: Brasil Telecom trials wireless convergance
Brasil Telecom has launched a trial of UTStarcom's fixed-mobile convergence solution in preparation for next-generation wireless services.
The trials in the capital Brasilia are a major test of UTStarcom's new Continuity end-to-end system in a market where cell-phone subscriptions top 12 million.
"We believe this trial is the first step toward the commercial deployment of the Continuity solution with a top-tier service provider in Latin America," said UTStarcom Vice President Rene Mendez.
Mendez characterized Continuity as "a deployment approach that dovetails with Brasil Telecom's existing infrastructure scenario and long-term network expansion plans."
Continuity, which was coincidentally unveiled at Wednesday's 3GSM World Congress trade show in Spain, is designed for seamless interconnectivity, including roaming, between mobile and fixed-line networks. Alameda-based UTStarcom said the system would amount in less account churning in the competition for GSM cell service in Brazil.
The system is based on UTStarcom's mSwitch Internet Protocol softswitch platform and a dual-mode WiFi/GSM handset.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International