Introducing Unlicensed Mobile Access - Wireless

A significant event happened last week that didn’t get much mention anywhere and I want to spread the word. A new technology standard, Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) was announced that allows for GSM and GPRS mobile services over unlicensed spectrum technologies, including Bluetooth and 802.11 (Wi-Fi).



The standard definition supports seamless roaming and hand offs between GSM and unlicensed wireless networks. This will pave the way for single devices that can automatically connect to whatever type of network they detect without worry about whose network it is.

The new standard is to be taken seriously due to the carriers that are backing it: AT&T Wireless, Cingular, T-Mobile USA, Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Siemens, Ericsson, Nortel, and Kineto Wireless.