Tom,
re: MSM5000 v. MSM5105
<< I read your links and it actually says that MSM5100 is complain with phase 0 of IS-2000 but MSM5105 is compliant with phase 1. If we could track down what changed between phase 0 and phase 1 then we would probably get a good glimpse at something that the Korean telcos really want. (Or maybe the Japanese really want.) >>
I have meant to go back and check on all the Qualcomm published data (PR, spec sheets, etc. - including the originals that were subsequently updated) in an attempt to itemize the differences.
I am not sure that will tell us all that much however.
I am under the impression that quite a bit changed in between the initial publishing of IS-2000 in July 1999 and its final publication and acceptance by the ITU in April 2000.
It is possible that there are a number of subtle but important differences you and I would not spot, and might not show up in the data sheets at all.
There is one very obvious difference however.
The MSM5105 supports an R-UIM interface and the MSM5100 does not.
Coincidentally, while I was mulling your post yesterday, I ran across this table (which I have reconstructed) in a prospectus from the company who is the leading manufacturer of SIM cards in the world (41% ms) and who has worked closely with CDG on a CDMA SIM (R-UIM) and standards development. Please note the 2.5G section relative to Korea, and remeber that for Korean carriers 1XRTT is 2.5G.
____________________________________________________________________________
SIM/UIM R-UIM Usage Table from Gemplus (GEMP) Prospectus - November 2000
____________________________________________________________________________
Standard Principal Regions Use of SIM/UIM or R-UIM ____________________________________________________________________________
2nd Generation
GSM Europe, Asia, US Yes
CDMA US, China No
TDMA US No
2.5G
GPRS Europe, Most of Asia Yes
CDMA China, South Korea Yes (China & Korea)
US No decision in US
3rd Generation
W-CDMA Europe, Asia (including Japan) Yes
cdma2000 United States, Asia No decision in US ____________________________________________________________________________
This is just conjecture but bear with me, please, as I attempt to think this through out loud.
We know that SKT is highly focused on global roaming and was part of their decision factor on W-CDMA over cdma2000.
We have heard that SKT plans to make their second generation network enhanced with 1xRTT (IS-95C) network as compatible and interoperable with their 3G W-CDMA network. This will be facilitated by UIM (R-UIM)
A primary function of the UIM (R-UIM) is to facilitate roaming.
SKT signed a roaming deal with China's biggest wireless operator, China Mobile, in October and one with DoCoMo in August.
To roam with China Mobile a UIM (R-UIM) is required.
To roam with DoCoMo's new FOMA 3G service a UIM will be required
Message 15026521
Bear in mind that in order to use a SIM, UIM, or as CDG prefers to call it a R-UIM, a multi-mode handset is not specifically required as the UIM or R-UIM can be removed from the primary handset and used in a rented, pooled, or borrowed handset in the destination country.
Roaming is only one function of the SIM (R-UIM), which is also used to facilitate a number of other benefits of wireless data services.
It is entirely possible that while SK Telecom is upgrading infrastructure across it's network, readying 1xRTT services, and preparing a marketing push, that they are also launching R-UIM services at the same time and will enable virtually all handsets (whether multi-mode or not) with a R-UIM, and this will necessitate the MSM-5105.
I do recall a conversation I had with an ETSI SMG member about 18 months ago. We were discussing whether or not a UIM would be employed in 3G cdma2000. He reminded me that the Koreans had a SIM/UIM standard on the shelf for over 2 years (and China 3), and they were waiting to see what CDG was going to do about this.
This was 5 months before CDG "rushed" their R-UIM standard through TIA and before they published their R-UIM standard.
Remember the 2nd principle of Qualcomm's "5 Points":
Principle # 2 - Existing cdmaOne service and signaling for ANSI-41 must be accommodated, allowing for phones both with and without SIM cards
In accordance with the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU) "Family of Systems" concept, QUALCOMM believes that any true third generation standard must support both existing cdmaOne services (supported through ANSI-41) and GSM services (supported through the GSM MAP protocol) without 'interworking' (i.e., without dependence on switch-external 'hardware and software box' implementations that inadequately adapt services of cdmaOne systems to services of GSM and vice-versa). Dependence on interworking removes the responsibility of accommodating existing services of either system from the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of the other. Current experience with such interworking implementations has generally not been positive.
<snip>
The ITU has defined a User Identity Module (UIM) function that is associated with subscriber information and authentication in the network. The need for UIM support is a functional requirement and is not tied to a specific physical implementation of the function. The UIM function should be allowed to be implemented with or without Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, also known as 'chip cards.' SIM cards have been predominantly used by GSM systems. Elsewhere, non-card based methods for subscriber management are widely in use, and new methods continue to be developed for future implementation. Neither of the two physical approaches, card-based or non-card based, should be mandated in the converged standard to the exclusion of the other. The operator should have the flexibility to choose and third generation systems should accommodate both.
Conclusion: QUALCOMM understands and fully accepts that GSM operators and manufacturers require compatibility with GSM services and GSM-MAP in the same way that cdmaOne operators and manufacturers require compatibility with cdmaOne services and ANSI-41. QUALCOMM believes that third generation standards should support both cdmaOne and GSM services and networks equally. QUALCOMM also supports the evolutionary development of new services and the convergence of cdmaOne and GSM services and networks, and recognizes that most high burst rate traffic will be destined for the Internet using internationally accepted Internet protocols.
Sometimes you have to give your customer what he is asking for, not what you think is best for them, or you.
CDG played this one down to the wire. perhaps in reality they played it beyond the wire.
3G3 IMT-2000 will eventually require that all 3G3 handsets have UIM's or their R-UIM equivalent. The US may be last to adopt. The Asians (Japan, Korea, China) will be first.
Korea has waited a long time for SIM roaming and SIM based services.
Just my thoughts. I may be all wet. Reading that prospectus made me wonder. Gemplus is very closely aligned with the major carriers of the world.
- Eric - |
