GCF, CCF Breathe Life into CDMA with Single Certification

Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the CDMA Certification Forum (CCF) have announced that they are collaborating to harmonize their respective certification schemes with the aim of offering a single, unified certification process for mobile devices incorporating any combination of 3GPP and 3GPP2 wireless technologies.

GCF is the independent certification scheme for mobile phones and wireless devices based on 3GPP standards: GSM/EDGE; UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA; LTE and LTE-Advanced.

CCF is the official authority for certifying CDMA2000 (3GPP2) devices.

The two existing certification schemes allow device manufacturers to demonstrate their products achieve agreed benchmarks for interoperability with mobile networks.

The collaboration is a response to a number of global mobile trends.

Handset manufacturers, as well other major industries such as consumer electronics, transportation, and healthcare, are incorporating multiple wireless technologies within new products that are being marketed globally.

In addition, many 3GPP and 3GPP2 operators around the world are migrating to LTE.

A common certification scheme embracing all 3GPP and 3GPP2 wireless technologies has the potential to realize efficiencies and generate benefits across the mobile and associated industries.

CCF has been co-operating with GCF on LTE certification since 2010.

Current discussions are focused on the technical alignment of the two schemes and identifying any governance implications for the two membership organizations
.
“The convergence of so many operators on LTE is accelerating the trend towards multi-mode devices that can be marketed worldwide,” said Bruce Jolly, CCF general manager.

“A one-stop-shop certification process will set a universal benchmark for interoperability, minimize duplication of testing and reduce time-to-market for new devices.”

“A common certification scheme will eliminate confusion, raise awareness of the importance of device interoperability and help other industries derive maximum value from wireless connectivity,” said Adriana Nugter, operations manager, GCF.