LOS ANGELES – September 12, 2006 – Mobile phone carriers now have an important new source of data about the handsets they consider for use on their networks: a testing program for Wi-Fi / mobile phones developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance and CTIA® -The Wireless Association. The groups today jointly released a test document for laboratory tests that provide radio frequency performance mapping in a mixed-network environment.
This program is a key milestone in the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi / mobile convergence. Until now, carriers had no independent source of data about converged devices. This industry-supported program will provide detailed information about the performance of the Wi-Fi radio in a converged handset, as well as how the cellular and Wi-Fi radios interact with one another. Testing for this program will be conducted in top-tier independent laboratories authorized by CTIA and Wi-Fi Alliance.
“The new test program is another indicator of Wi-Fi’s widespread acceptance and growth from a traditionally PC technology to one that is now common in a variety of consumer devices, including mobile phones,” said Frank Hanzlik, Managing Director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. “Carriers have long relied on CTIA test programs to ensure that subscribers have the best user experience with the handsets they offer, and this program will provide important support as carriers launch their convergence offerings.
“This program is an important step in the development of the convergence market,” said CTIA Vice President of Operations Robert Mesirow. “Without this test program, carriers couldn’t be sure that a Wi-Fi / mobile phone would meet their rigorous specifications, but now they will have the data they need to select the handsets best suited for their networks.”
Leading manufacturers have begun releasing converged wireless phones, which include both traditional cellular and Wi-Fi capabilities. In-Stat forecasts that more than 200 million Wi-Fi / mobile handsets will have shipped by 2010.
The comprehensive testing program provides detailed measurements on key parameters, including: transmit power, receive sensitivity, emitted power, and desensitization in the dual-mode environment. In addition, to complete the testing a device must also be Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ for core Wi-Fi interoperability and CTIA certified for core cellular performance.
CTIA and Wi-Fi Alliance will continue to explore future areas for jointly-developed programs. “There are several technology challenges in converged networks where cross-industry collaboration is the only approach that makes sense,” said Hanzlik.
About the Wi-Fi Alliance
The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global, non-profit industry association of more than 275 member companies devoted to promoting the growth of wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). With the aim of enhancing the user experience for mobile wireless devices, the Wi-Fi Alliance’s testing and certification programs ensure the interoperability of WLAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 specification. Since the introduction of the Wi-Fi Alliance’s certification program in March 2000, more than 3,000 products have been designated as Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services across the consumer and enterprise markets.
About CTIA
CTIA-The Wireless Association is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. CTIA is also recognized as the premiere producer of two annual technology events representing the complete wireless, mobile and Internet industries. CTIA WIRELESS I.T & Entertainment takes place in Los Angeles September 12-14; CTIA WIRELESS 2007 takes place in Orlando March 27-29. Visit www.ctia.org.
CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment is a one-of-a-kind event that reflects the dual nature of today’s wireless data industry—technology that offers both mobile solutions to the enterprise and mobile entertainment to the consumer. This event brings together diverse audience segments to satisfy every mobile data need and respond to the ever-growing market demand for wireless services. Visit www.ctia.org/wirelessIT06.
Media contact:
Edelman for Wi-Fi Alliance: Michael Diamond, michael.diamond@edelman.com, +1 650-429-2772.
