UMA Services are coming

UMA Services are coming
UMA is a wireless, short-distance technology using non-licensed spectrum. Backed by the UMA specifications and the 3GPP, it is becoming a hot demand from telcos and mobile operators, anticipating FMC and IMS deployments. Of course, UMA is the smart answer to carriers lacking fixed assets. Nevertheless, first carrier to launch UMA was a wireline operator, BT in the fall of 2005. Teliasonera or T-Mobile US should follow, as well as Rogers or O2. Mobile phone vendors are ready. Nokia, Motorola and Samsung have announced phones that support UMA.

The market window, however, could be short for UMA, as FMC and IMS deployments are just behind. Cingular unveiled an IMS application for the end of the year. Others will follow.