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UMA - The Real Implications for Mobile Operators

In this report, Mobile Market Development examines the contentious area of Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology. Since it was first proposed, critics have dismissed it as a GSM-only standard and have been predicting its demise and replacement by other technology approaches or, simply, by evolution of the core cellular network. Despite this, UMA-based services are being increasingly examined and deployed by MNOs around the world. If UMA turns out to have a major market impact, MNOs that have ignored it stand to lose revenues, customers and market control as a direct result. If it turns out to be a minor distraction in the development of the cellular market structure, the opportunity cost to MNOs of time and money spent on UMA may provide their competitors with opportunities to attack their customer base and credibility. This report examines the state of UMA and its potential to influence the market and players within that market. A scenario for UMA deployment is examined to check the feasibility of offering services that could have a major impact on mobile markets. Conclusions are drawn about current UMA deployments and recommendations are proposed suggesting actions that MNOs should take now to ensure they get the most out of any UMA market opportunity (and avoid any associated pitfalls).

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Table of Contents
1
Overview
1
2
Introduction
2
2.1
Background
2
2.2
Report Structure
3
3
UMA Background
4
3.1
Origins of UMA
4
3.2
Functionality of UMA
5
3.3
Applications Proposed for UMA
6
3.3.1
Cellular Extension
6
3.3.2
Calling Costs Reduction
6
3.3.3
WiFi Hotspot Usage
8
4
Market Prospects for UMA
10
4.1
Why UMA is Important
10
4.2
Current UMA Service Initiatives
26
4.2.1
Introduction
26
4.2.2
TeliaSonera Home Free
26
4.3
UMA Potential to Compete with Cellular
26
4.4
Metro WiFi and UMA
26
4.4.1
Introduction
26
4.4.2
WiFly in Taipei
26
4.4.3
Norwich WiFi
26
4.4.4
UMA Deployment on Metro WiFi Networks
26
4.5
Femtocells, Picocells and UMA
26
5
A Metro-UMA Scenario
26
5.1
Introduction
26
5.2
The London Metro-UMA Service
26
5.2.1
The Cloud in London and Beyond
26
5.2.2
The Market for the MVNO
26
5.2.3
Service Capacity Issues
26
6
Conclusions
26
7
Recommendations to MNOs
29