Generation UMTS

20th November, 2003

Europe : BABT, the leading Telecommunications testing and certification organisation, has formed a partnership with CETECOM S.A., the Malaga-based test platform developer, to validate a new conformance test system for mobile telecommunications devices.

The test platform, called MiNT (Mobile Communications Integrated Tester), will assist the acceleration of 3G service delivery by providing assurance to wireless operators that Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) handsets operate as intended on their networks.

BABT will evaluate the MiNT platform and achieve validated test case status with the GSM Certification Forum (GCF) & the PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) for the MiNT RF GSM/GPRS test cases in accordance with GSMTS51.010-1 for all four bands (850, 900, 1800, 1900), the MiNT RF UMTS test cases in accordance with WCDMA 34.121 chapters 5, 6 and 7, and the MiNT Protocol UMTS test cases in accordance with WCDMA 34.123 (which covers GCF Package Release Numbers 1-4).

“BABT's independence and reputation for thoroughness and integrity will provide confidence to the marketplace that MiNT is one of the leading platforms in providing multi-mode / multi-band assessment of GSM/GPRS/UMTS devices,” said Fernando E. Hardasmal Barrera, Deputy General Manager of CETECOM S.A. “Working with a globally respected and recognised organisation will help us achieve faster platform acceptance and increase our chances of success in this exciting marketplace. We do really believe that our MiNT platforms will have an impact in this market”.

“CETECOM, S.A. is an innovative developer of telecom test equipment solutions, which has already built a strong reputation in our industry. We are delighted to be able to assist in their vision of accelerating UMTS mobile technology adoption,” said Jean-Louis Evans, Managing Director at BABT. “As we progress through each stage of the validation programme, we plan to offer test services to mobile device manufacturers using the MiNT platform, which will complement our already extensive range of testing and certification services for the Telecommunications industry.”