Nortel, Qualcomm Test VCC

TORONTO -- Nortel(1) (Toronto:NT.TO - News)(NYSE:NT - News) has successfully tested a solution with Qualcomm (NasdaqGS:QCOM - News) that will improve the mobile phone experience for users by allowing them to continue conversations uninterrupted and avoid additional roaming charges when a caller is moving between different wireless networks.

The completion of testing between Nortel's IMS-based Voice Call Continuity (VCC) network solution and the Qualcomm chipset solution that uses their IMS/VCC device client is a major step towards the availability of out-of-the box VCC-enabled mobile phones. VCC helps decrease mobile phone charges by seamlessly switching voice calls, without interruptions, between WiFi and cellular networks. Airtime and long distance charges do not apply when the user roams into areas of WiFi coverage - which can be in the home, office or some public retail locations.

Nortel and Qualcomm's pre-validated solutions allow dual-mode mobile phones to be VCC-ready upon purchase without any additional software downloads or service provider configuration, which is expected to help accelerate broader use of the technology.

"Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) with the ability to seamlessly switch between cellular and WiFi networks is a critical requirement for many carriers," said Akshay Sharma, research director, Gartner, Carrier Network Infrastructure. "IMS VCC requires both a network-based component and a handset-based solution. Specific handset offerings with advanced client software have proven difficult for operators to maintain. Having VCC-enabled phones will accelerate the up-take and deployment of the technology in the market."

Nortel Networks Ltd.