Cdma Phones May Get Network Freedom

[KumaarShah 143]

Hi,

Please refer the following link for details.

Link: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1669381.cms

CDMA phones may get network freedom soon

K YATISH RAJAWAT

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2006 12:44:48 AM]MUMBAI: CDMA operators, particularly Reliance Communications (RCL), are trying to change the dynamics of the CDMA industry. The biggest difference between CDMA and GSM networks is the handset. In the CDMA world, handsets are provided by the operator and they work only on one network.

RCL is trying to change this by encouraging CDMA technology owner Qualcomm to develop handsets that are network independent. RCL wants Qualcomm to make it attractive for phone manufacturers to launch network independent phones.

A Qualcomm senior management team is expected to be in India in the next couple of days. Besides the handset issue, RCL is also expected to discuss the CDMA network rollout as well as upgradation to the next generation EVDO network (the equivalent of 3G in the GSM world) on a different frequency band then the current one used by RCL.

RCL wants Qualcomm to launch phones with an Re-Usable Identification Module (RUIM card). RUIM is a removable ID chip for cellular phones made for CDMA networks. The RUIM card holds a user’s personal information such as name and account number, cell phone number, phone book, text messages and other settings, very similar to a GSM SIM card.

The RUIM card provides flexibility to switch phones by simply removing the card and slipping it into another card-enabled phone. The new phone would then be able to make and receive calls on the user’s account without having to go through the carrier for activation.

A user could, for example, have several phones and switch between them, borrow a friend’s phone to make a call with his RUIM card, or even switch to another carrier and keep his or her old phone. The new carrier would simply issue the customer a new RUIM card to use in his or her existing phone. The only requirements are that the phone is unlocked and compatible with the frequency band of the new carrier.

While RUIM phones have been around for a couple of years, none of the handset manufacturers have launched them in India. Unlike the GSM market where handset makers have the flexibility of rolling out multiple handsets, CDMA does not provide such flexibility. Part of the reason is the royalty to be paid to Qualcomm for launching the handset.

Moreover, Qualcomm also has a monopoly on the semiconductor chip which goes into these handset. As the cost of the development of the handset is controlled by one vendor, handset maker do not have the flexibility to shop around.

Reliance officials claim that as they are one of the largest CDMA network in the world and contribute a substantial portion of the revenues of Qualcomm. This will help them put pressure on Qualcomm for some changes.

China Unicom, which is also a large CDMA operators, has been offering RUIM-based CDMA handset for almost three years, now. China Unicom has actually launched RUIM phones that work across GSM and CDMA networks, as the company has both the networks.

RCL is also planning on expanding its footprint on the GSM network, and may look at RUIM phones, combined with a GSM and CDMA roaming capability. RCL wants to shift the cost of the handset development along with the royalty to be paid for them to handset makers.

Another contentious issue, which is likely to be addressed between Qualcomm and RCL, is what happens if RCL does not get extra spectrum in the 800 Mhz range. RCL is seeking spectrum as a fifth CDMA operator in the 800 Mhz range, it is also seeking additional spectrum for high-end EVDO upgradation. It is likely to negotiate with Qualcomm on future CDMA network expansion and upgradation also while raising the GSM bogey.

Edited June 22, 2006 by khs123

[kshah 452]

If this happens, then I think CDMA will be free from even controls like R world (controlled browsing) etc. And may be thats why GSM strategy too. Lets hope this happens.

[prakashkadam 1]

If this happens, then I think CDMA will be free from even controls like R world (controlled browsing) etc. And may be thats why GSM strategy too. Lets hope this happens.

by network freedom, it means you can keep the handset to switch within the CDMA networks. Just like if u r fade up with Reliance you can simply buy a RUIM card from TATA and use the same phone in that network.

I don't see any impact on R-World though.

This is good thing and should happen, then you will get freedom to choose your network and some decent handsets will be available to choose from.

[kshah 452]

Yes, R world is built in to OS of phone. So untill and unless they all put it on RUIM (JAVA aplet) , tata phone will not be in position to use R world and vice versa.

[schumi 0]

Amazing I hope its started at the earliest

[rakesh5295 0]

A hutch sim card conatcins the hutch menu in itself and so also airtel sim card has a aitel live menu. so i think the relaince sim card(ruim card) will have rworld irepective of the phone used it would allow to run r word

[@ksh@T 20]

well if this happens it will be a dream cm true for cdma phone owners

[Utsav 0]

Two things:

1. It is not true that none of the handset manufacturers have launched RUIM phones in India. Handsets like Nokia 2280 incorporates the same but the OS is intruded by service provider

2. If it happens, the first thing I'll like most is that we'll not need to Network Providers' exclusive showrooms or dealers to purchase handsets.

Keeping my fingers crossed...

[kshah 452]

Indicom is offering RUIM phones and its swapable but as usual they do not promot that feature.

[Utsav 0]

Indicom is offering RUIM phones and its swapable but as usual they do not promot that feature.

Which model?

[abc123 0]

Indicom even has T-Sim phoens(ie RUIM) with nokia also..............

[@ksh@T 20]

yeah almost all indicom(good phones) are TSIM ones..thats the best thing...