White Papers

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3G Americas White Papers:

• Security and Trust in Mobile Applications
  (October 2008) By 3G Americas
  This white paper discusses the issues for consumers and application providers with trust and security and the clear advantages provided by the GSM family of technologies placing them at the forefront of the mobile application space. (PDF – 513 KB)
  
  
• Characterizing the Limitations of Third-Party EAS Over Cellular Text Messaging Services
  (September 2008) By Patrick Traynor, Ph.D.
  This research report discusses the reliability of text messaging or SMS as a method of communication for emergency notification services. (PDF – 1.16 MB)
  
  
• EDGE, HSPA and LTE Broadband Innovation
  (September 2008) By Rysavy Research and 3G Americas
  This white paper discusses the significant evolution of EDGE, HSPA and LTE, the capabilities of these technologies, and an authoritative analysis relative to other primary competing technologies such as WiMAX, EV-DO and UMB. (PDF - 1 MB)
  
  Presentation slides for this white paper (PDF - 1 MB)
  
  
• The Case for Evolved EDGE
  (August 2008) By 3G Americas
  3G Americas presents a white paper that discusses Evolved EDGE as another technology evolution option to GSM operators in their evolution to 3G and beyond. (PDF - 513 KB)
  
  Presentation slides for this white paper (PDF - 220 KB)
  
  
• Defining 4G: Understanding the ITU Process for the Next Generation of Wireless Technology
  (Updated August 2008) By 3G Americas
  Originally published in July 2007, this white paper provides a roadmap on the steps that the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is taking to define 4G or IMT-Advanced wireless systems. (PDF - 225 KB)
  
  
• UMTS Evolution From 3GPP Release 7 to Release 8: HPA and SAE/LTE
  (Updated June 2008) By 3G Americas
  Originally published in July 2007 and now updated, this paper provides detailed standards progress for Rel-7 and Rel-8 including HSPA+, Evolved EDGE, SAE/EPC and LTE with expected technology performance of the technologies. (PDF - 1 MB)
  
  
• Transitioning to IPv6
  (March 2008) By 3G Americas
  This white paper suggests guidelines to wireless service providers for the implementation of a smooth and successful transitioning process from IPv4 to IPv6. (PDF - 727 K)
  
  
• QoS Interoperability and Policy Management Recommendations
  (Dec 2007) 3G Americas
  This white paper recommends solutions for how to policy-enable QoS interoperability across operator domains, highlighting the need for mobile service providers to employ a policy management framework for managing QoS between roaming partners as demands intensify for converged services.
  
  
• UMTS Evolution from 3GPP Release 7 to Release 8: HSPA and SAE/LTE
  (Dec 2007) By 3G Americas
  This white paper explains provides detailed standards progress for Rel-7 and Rel-8 including HSPA+, Evolved EDGE and expected technology performance of the technologies. (PDF - 1 MB)
  
  
• EDGE, HSPA, LTE: The Mobile Broadband Advantage
  (Sept 2007) 3G Americas
  
  Written by Rysavy Research for 3G Americas, this paper discusses the evolution of EDGE, HSPA enhancements, 3GPP LTE, the capabilities of these technologies, and their position relative to other primary competing technologies. (PDF - 1 MB)
  
  
• Fixed-Mobile Convergence: Understanding the Marriage of Wireless and Wireline Technologies
  (July 2007) 3G Americas
  The white paper reviews the technologies that are critical to enabling a converged services environment, including SIP, Voice over IP (VoIP), IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), and fixed and wireless broadband. The paper highlights how Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) should seamlessly deliver personalized communications services to devices over the most appropriate network. (PDF - 4 MB)
  
  
• Defining 4G: Understanding the ITU Process for the Next Generation of Wireless Technology
  (July 2007) 3G Americas
  Read the facts on how IMT-Advanced or 4G will someday be defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and what it will take to someday be called 4G or IMT-Advanced. (PDF - 666 KB)
  
  
• Data Optimization: Coverage Enhancements to Improve Data Throughput Performance
  (October 2006) By 3G Americas
  This paper discusses coverage challenges and solutions, including intelligent repeaters, distributed fiber systems, neutral host systems, remote radio heads, Micro cells and Pico cells, remotely adjustable antennas, smart antennas, and dynamic network performance optimization.
  
  
• Mobile Broadband: EDGE, HSPA and LTE
  (September 2006) By 3G Americas
  Overview of the technical capabilities of GSM -- 3G and future mobile wireless technologies. Written for 3G Americas by Rysavy Research.
  
  Presentation slides for this white paper (PDF - 657 KB)
  
  
• IMS: Application Enabler and UMTS/HSPA Growth Catalyst
  (July 2006) By 3G Americas
  3G Americas explores IP multimedia services for cellular devices as they drive the adoption of wireless all-IP networks to the benefit of all players in the value chain.
  
  
• Technical Recommendations for a Mass Market UMTS 3G Handset (129KB)
  (July 2006)
  By 3G Americas
  3G Americas presents this white paper containing a suggested feature set for an economical, mass market UMTS 3G handset for the Americas.
  
  
• Mobile Broadband: The Global Evolution of UMTS/HSPA – 3GPP Release 7 and Beyond
  (July 2006) - Updated December 2006
  By 3G Americas
  This white paper covers industry progress towards UMTS/HSPA and its long term evolution, exploring 3GPP Release 7 and the future beyond HSPA (UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA) with the HSPA Evolution (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and System Architecture Evolution (SAE) initiatives.
  
  
• The Global Evolution of UMTS/HSDPA - 3GPP Release 6 and Beyond
  (July 2005) -- Updated December 2005
  By 3G Americas
  3G Americas presents this collaborative paper on: progress made towards commercialization of R’99 and Rel’5 UMTS since 2004, the growing focus on the evolution to Rel'6, and a look beyond Rel’6 - likely future enhancements through Rel’7 and Long Term Evolution (LTE) effort in 3GPP. (PDF - 924 KB)
  
  
• Data Capabilities: GPRS to HSDPA and Beyond
  (September 2005)
  Prepared by Rysavy Research for 3G Americas
  This white paper examines the performance of the GSM family of data technologies--GPRS, EDGE and UMTS/HSDPA—how they work, and their position relative to some competing technologies. (PDF – 529 KB)
  
  Presentation slides for this white paper (PDF – 199 KB)
  
  
• Key Considerations for Selecting and Deploying Wireless Corporate Applications
  (August 2005)
  By 3G Americas
  This white paper discusses key issues that IT managers should consider in formulating their wireless corporate application plans and provides a summary of different ecosystem components for wireless enterprise applications. The paper also includes descriptions of customer case studies of successful deployments and uses of a variety of wireless enterprise applications and enterprise class devices. (PDF - 176 KB)
  • Complete Customer Case Studies - Enterprise Applications
  
  
  
• Convergence: An Outlook on Device, Service, Network and Technology Trends
  (July 2005)
  By 3G Americas
  This white paper analyzes the broad definition of convergence beyond the physical integration of wireline and wireless technologies and explains what convergence aims to achieve for end-users, its drivers and enablers, and its implications on relevant industries and companies. The paper also provides an overview of HTTP/SIP, IPv6, VoIP, UMA and radio access technologies such as WCDMA, CDMA2000, WiMAX and WiFi, and addresses how together they will facilitate Fixed-mobile Convergence. (PDF - 1979 KB)
  
  
• Mobile TV - The Next Big "Killer App" in Wireless?
  (July 2005)
  By 3G Americas
  This Executive Overview explores mobile TV: from user expectations and potential markets/business models to technical challenges; and summarizes the various mobile TV technologies DVB-H, DMB, ISDB-T, MBMS, FLO, and IPDC), outlining the features and benefits of each. (PDF - 209 KB)
  
  * Mobile TV Backgrounder (Ericsson, June 2005; PDF - 131 KB)
  
  
• 3G Americas Java Technical Recommendations
  (June 2005)
  By 3G Americas
  3G Americas recommends a set of technical requirements for devices using Java technology based upon input gathered from 3G Americas' members and Java application developers. (PDF - 170 KB)
  
  
• The Wireless Java Application Environment: An Executive Overview
  (March 2005)
  By 3G Americas
  This application-environment white paper is a high-level overview of the Java™ technology ecosystem ecosystem. It details Java standards development; the role of technology suppliers and application developers; testing and certification; developers' tools; and various deployment scenarios for operators. (PDF - 981 KB)
  
  
• The Business Opportunity for Consumer Wireless Applications
  (November 2004)
  By 3G Americas
  This paper, written for application and software developers, and wireless carriers, identifies development approaches and business models for consumer wireless applications with the GSM family of technologies. (PDF - 140 KB)
  
  

Industry White Papers:

• Enterprise IP Goes Mobile
  An AT&T survey and white paper in co-operation with the Economist Intelligence Unit (July 2007; PDF - 914K)
  
  
• Long-Term Evolution: The vision beyond 3G
  (August 2007) Nortel Networks' white paper on LTE, the next-generation technology beyond 3G. (PDF - 343 K)
  
  
• HSPA, the undisputed choice for mobile broadband
  Ericsson white paper.
  
  
• Gemalto Convergence Offer
  (February 2007)
  This document briefly describes the Gemalto convergent offer, which helps operators authenticate consumers, distribute applications, and provide trusted identity services over multiple networks and devices, including multimode phones and PCs.
  
  
• Smart Card in IMS - Gemalto
  (February 2007)
  This technical white paper describes the role of smart cards in IMS networks to authenticate users, secure exchanges, manage presence, and even host SIP user agents.
  
  
• Smart Dongle - Gemalto
  (February 2007)
  This white paper presents the smart dongle, a secure USB dongle that automatically opens up operator services and communicating applications to the PCs, thereby extending the trusted wireless environment to any broadband network.
  
  
• Securely Access to WLAN - Gemalto
  (February 2007)
  This document describes a higher WLAN security achieved by authenticating users with a SIM or USIM with the EAP protocol.
  
  
• How to Achieve a Clinical-Grade Network Deployment - Nortel Networks
  (February 2007)
  
  
• Mobile NFC Services - GSM Association
  (February 2007) The UICC-based architecture is recommended by the GSM Association, providing control to the operators for NFC applications such as payment and ticketing, but also providing the necessary security and remote management of these applications.
  
  
• ETSI White Paper No. 4: GSM Operation Onboard Aircraft
  (January 2007)
  This paper is written by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, and is applicable specifically to Western Europe.
  
  

• Definiendo la 4G: comprender el proceso UIT para la Próxima Generación de tecnología inalámbrica
  Lea los hechos sobre cómo definirá IMT-Advanced o 4G oportunamente la Unión Internacional de las Telecomunicaciones (UIT) y cuáles serán los requisitos para ser denominado 4G oportunamente. (en inglés - PDF - 666 KB)
  
  
• La evolución de UMTS desde la Versión 7 a la Versión 8 del 3GPP: HSPA y SAE/LTE
  Por 3G Americas (Julio de 2007) Este trabajo brinda una explicación pormenorizada del avance de la normalización para la Versiones 7 y 8, incluyendo a HSPA+, EDGE Evolucionado y la performance prevista para las tecnologías. (en inglés, PDF - 1 MB)
  
  
• QA Document
  
  
• Mobile Opportunities in the Caribbean (2nd Edition)
  (June 2005)
  By Informa Telecoms & Media; Dr. Richard Downes, Author – This second edition is an extensive study of the mobile industry in the Caribbean, including profiles of 22 islands or island groups and five major operator profiles, with subscriber forecasts for 2005 through 2009, detailed license activity, major player strategies and emerging opportunities. For more information click here.
  
  
• Alternative Radio Access Technologies – Complements or Substitutes?
  (February 2005)
  By NorthStream – From a mobile-industry perspective, alternative access technologies such as WiMAX, Flarion’s FLASH-OFDM and IPWireless’s TDD-WCDMA, have sometimes been mentioned as potential candidates for delivering the next generation of mobile networks. At the same time, mobile operators are presented with “natural” technology evolution paths by the vendors who sold them their current 3G networks.
  
  In this white paper, Northstream takes a look at some of the most talked-about alternative access technologies and compares them with the evolution paths of the currently dominant cellular standards. (PDF – 1268 KB) For more about Northstream go to www.northstream.se
  
  
• High-Speed Downlink Packet Access: More Efficient and Cost-effective Use of Precious Bandwidth
  (January 2005)
  By Lucent Technologies – This white paper addresses: the need for HSDPA, how it works, how to upgrade, and the technology’s future. (PDF – 486 KB)
  
  
• 3G Takes Its Seat at the Cellular Technology Table
  (2004)
  By Texas Instruments – TI's view of the 3G marketplace. (PDF – 179 KB)
  
  
• Delivering on the Promise of 3G Wireless
  (2004)
  By Texas Instruments – Overview of how TI is making 3G wireless a reality. (PDF – 117 KB)
  
  
• Digital Broadcast TV – Coming Soon to a Mobile Phone Near You
  (2004)
  By Texas Instruments – Overview of the future for broadcast mobile digital TV (DTV). (PDF – 432 KB)
  
  
• SIM Applications
  (October 2004)
  By Gemplus – This paper reviews the benefits for wireless application providers, operators, and users. (PDF – 1,216 KB)
  
  
• Key Business Issues in the Service Layer
  (December 2004)
  By Ericsson – This white paper looks at the evolving marketplace for user services and impacts on operator service networks, and establishes some key issue in vendor selection. (PDF – 84 KB)
  
  
• IMS – IP Multimedia Subsystem
  (October 2004)
  By Ericsson – This white paper outlines the value of using the IMS architecture, describing how fixed and mobile operators can begin rolling out IMS-standard services that generate revenue while making use of existing investments. (PDF – 244 KB)
  
  
• The Role of the SIM: Creating a positive mobile experience
  A Gemplus strategy paper – 3rd edition. (PDF – 231 KB)
  
  
• GSM White Paper: Brilliant Past, Bright Future (February 18, 2004)
  This paper explores the economic and social impact the GSM family of technologies - GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS/WCDMA has had: how GSM became the dominant mobile standard, economic contributions made by the GSM community, and the key success factors for the GSM industry going forward to the next billion customers. (PDF format - 953 KB)
  
  

For additional technology papers, visit the White Paper Archives