Dual-mode phone

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A dual-mode phone is a mobile phone containing both cellular and non-cellular radios used for voice and data communication. Dual-mode phones are an important component of Fixed Mobile Convergence solutions. A typical dual-mode phone will contain a GSM/CDMA/W-CDMA cellular radio and an IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) radio. When connected to the wide area cellular network the cellular radio is used for all communications but when within range of a suitable WiFi network the phone will use WiFi for all communications purposes. This method of operation can reduce cost (for both the network operator and the subscriber), improve indoor coverage and increase data access speeds.

Examples of dual-mode phones are those used in UMA and IMS environments.