Unlicenses Mobile Access
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Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) is a service which will provide access to GSM and GPRS networks over unlicensed spectrum which include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This technology is aimed at reducing the costs associated with making a call on the mobile network. If there is a wi-fi hot-spot in the vicinity, the mobile call will be routed over the internet. Otherwise, the call will be routed over the GSM/GPRS network. UMA will allow for seamless handoffs between the GSM and wi-fi network, allowing a user to save on minutes even on the move. It combines the low cost of internet telephony with the wide coverage of GRM/GPRS network.
Some of the GSM telecom providers have joined hands to come up with uniform standards for seamless operation and call handoff protocols. Newer GSM phones from Nokia and Samsung are coming equipped with UMA. T-Mobile has recently launched a pilot to provide UMA in USA.
