GSM and TDMA deal gives mobile users room to roam

Mobile users should expect worldwide roaming by 2000 following the development of a cross-platform chip by Motorola and an agreement between the GSM and TDMA organisations.

Mobile users should expect worldwide roaming by 2000 following the development of a cross-platform chip by Motorola and an agreement between the GSM and TDMA organisations.

The GSM Association and the Universal Wireless Communications Consortium signed an agreement last week that allows roaming between GSM and time division multiple access (TDMA) networks. This gives users of either standard virtually 100 per cent global coverage.

The organisations expect that dual-mode handsets and network interoperability will be ready for next year. The cooperation will also bring wireless data, location technology and services for users with disabilities.

Michael Stocks, chairman of the GSM Association, said: "Common subscriber equipment and user interfaces will provide economies of scale, and lead to lower cost and more simplified offerings for customers.

"This provides the true framework to begin development of global 3G service requirements and pursue the future goal of high-speed multimedia, multi-bandwidth phones that can be used anywhere in the world."

Motorola's DSP56690 processor, which it rolled out last week, can already support the commonly used wireless standards: code-division multiple access (CDMA), integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN) and TDMA.

The company said the chip will enable wireless phone users to send email and browse the Web.