The complete deployment for the next or 3rd generation of network technology will take many years to occur. As roll-out commences, 3G services and networks will be available in localized areas only. The capability to seamlessly operate between existing 2/2.5G networks and the localized 3G networks will be key to success.
In Europe and through the majority of the rest of the world this 2G and 3G interaction will be between GSM/GPRS and UMTS networks. The inter-system handover (ISHO) requirements are defined by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). The resultant output is a comprehensive set of specifications setting out the requirements to which equipment must conform, and the scenarios against which equipment must be verified.
