Singapore, Hong Kong Carriers Test GPRS Roaming

Asian operators M1 in Singapore and Cable and Wireless HKT Mobile Services, Hong Kong, have successfully carried out a general packet radio service (GPRS) roaming signaling trial between the two GPRS core networks supplied by Nokia Networks lnc. (Helsinki, Finland). This trial leads the way toward global mobile packet data services. Operators will benefit from GPRS roaming by being able to provide their customers the same data services regardless of the network that they are visiting. In this instance, the two networks were connected with a secure virtual private network across the Internet using GPRS border gateway elements.

The Nokia GPRS system comprises of the Nokia SGSN (serving GPRS support node), Nokia GGSN (gateway GPRS support node), the Nokia CG (charging gateway), Nokia boarder gateway and necessary IP backbone elements.

"This important step demonstrates that we can support cross network roaming traffic in the SGSN and GGSN interface. GPRS roaming will enable our customers to continue using their regular GPRS access points and services while roaming in foreign destinations," said Patrick Scodeller, Director, Engineering, M1.

Edited by Ellen Jensen