The GSMA will also produce specifications to enable interconnection and international roaming between LTE networks by Q1 2011.
LTE Interconnect will be based on IMS (IP multimedia subsystem), which features call waiting, call hold, call barring and other features. Most operator and handset manufacturer household names are behind these initiatives. Hand over between networks will be based on the OneVoice Initiative which started as a collaboration of industry players including Orange, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone, Alcatel‐Lucent, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.
The Juniper View
While embarking on the technicalities of interconnection for LTE is a further validation of the technology and testament to the industry’s ability to collaborate to achieve technical goals, the advent of LTE may also open the door for operators to tier their levels of service for content carriage and charge accordingly.
5. NFC payment trial presages widespread adoption?
A SIM based mobile payments trial by the GSMA, Samsung, Telefonica, Visa, G&D, Ingenico, ITN International and La Caixa, could herald a new era in the development of mobile payments using NFC (Near Field Communications) technology.
The trial consisted of 400 handsets loaded with a Visa mobile payment application. It allowed participants to purchase goods up the value of €75 ($103) from 30 locations within the Congress.
The Juniper View
There have been several trials worldwide featuring mobile payment via NFC. While this trial will raise awareness of the technology, it will be the commercial launch of NFC handsets that drive NFC’s adoption.
As well as reconciling the interests of the various stakeholders in NFC, from the mobile operator, such as 02 in this case, to payment facilitator (Visa, La Caixa), to the small stall holder in the corner of the pavilion at Mobile World Congress.