A new Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) initiative has been established by China Mobile, KPN, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Vodafone to develop a common vision for mobile networks and technology that will take the industry beyond the HSPA & EVDO roadmaps.
The Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) initiative has created a set of requirements for a future wide area mobile broadband network that is designed to offer enhanced customer benefits by delivering competitive broadband performance alongside high levels of interoperability.
The guiding principles include but are not limited to:
- High levels of data throughput alongside low levels of latency
- Low operation and maintenance costs
- Compatibility with legacy networks
- Support of high levels of authentication and security, and differentiated quality of service
- Improved terminal certification schemes
The NGNM initiative plans to work alongside existing standards bodies, seeking to shape the development and standardization of the next generation of mobile technologies. The group has specified that the evolutionary path should focus on existing infrastructure and spectrum allocation.
“As major players within the industry and heavy consumers of mobile broadband infrastructure, we believe that the future of mobile networks should be determined by a mix of technical and performance standards,” stated Thomas Geitner, the current Chairman of NGMN Ltd.
In order to further the objectives of NGMN within a recognized and accepted legal framework, the mobile operators have created a limited UK company called “NGMN Limited”.
