Our favorite mobile chipmaker (Qualcomm) has joined forces with Nortel to test a new service that combines Nortel’s IP Multimedia Subsystem-based (IMS) Voice Call Continuity (VCC) application with Qualcomm’s VCC compatible chipset to bring dual-mode cellular/WiFi call-switching to all compatible handsets. WiFi-enabled handsets are nothing new, but Qualcomm and Nortel’s new system would allow the user to seamlessly switch voice calls between CDMA cellular and WiFi networks – saving the user a few bucks whenever a WiFi access point is within range. Qualcomm and Nortel have just wrapped up testing of the VCC application and has announced a commercial launch slated for next year.
The duo has announced that future handsets equipped with Qualcomm’s VCC compatible chipsets will be able to take advantage of Nortel’s Voice Call Continuity system with no additional software installs or configurations. But, before the service can work, network operators must sign-on to employ Nortel’s IMS framework to allow cellular, WiFi, and wireline services to cooperate seamlessly.
We’re looking for Nortel to make the VCC application available in Q1 2008, with Qualcomm aiming to have VCC-compatible chips installed in handsets by mid-2008. We can’t wait to put all these WiFi hotspots to good use. Or, at least a better use than surfing CraigsList for random junk.
[Via: InformationWeek]