GSMA and Femto Forum Team Up To Boost In-Building Coverage

The GSMA, the global trade association for the mobile industry, and the Femto Forum, the independent industry association that supports femtocell deployment worldwide, will work together to define and develop solutions for the deployment of femtocells within mobile operator networks. Femtocells are cellular access points that typically provide a high-level of mobile coverage within a building by connecting to a mobile operator’s network via a fixed broadband connection.

The GSMA will provide mobile operators’ requirements and outline specifications for femtocells to the Femto Forum to ensure that this new technology develops in a way that maximises its potential to serve mobile users. Where appropriate, the two groups will also work together to address issues that may affect deployment of femtocells, such as operator security requirements or the regulatory environment.

“Femtocells promise to provide excellent mobile coverage for both voice and high-speed data services in homes, offices and campus environments,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer of the GSMA. “Through this agreement with the Femto Forum, we will seek to ensure that femtocells fit seamlessly into mobile operators’ existing networks so that users can enjoy a compelling range of services regardless of whether they connect through a femtocell or a conventional base station.”

“Femtocells have the potential to significantly change the cost of delivering high-quality mobile broadband services, to the benefit of operators and customers alike,” said Simon Saunders, Chairman of the Femto Forum. “However, delivering on the simple femtocell proposition of lower cost and better quality mobile communications is only achievable if the entire industry can work together. The cooperation between the GSMA and the Femto Forum is a key step in making this happen.”

For more information about the Femto Forum please see: www.femtoforum.org

About the GSMA:

The GSM Association (GSMA) is the global trade association representing more than 750 GSM mobile phone operators across 218 countries and territories of the world. The Association’s members represent more than 3 billion GSM and 3GSM connections – over 86% of the world’s mobile phone connections. In addition, more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers support the Association’s initiatives as key partners.

The primary goals of the GSMA are to ensure mobile phones and wireless services work globally and are easily accessible, enhancing their value to individual customers and national economies, while creating new business opportunities for operators and their suppliers.

contact us:

Mark Smith or David Pringle
GSMA
Email: [email protected]