In Asia markets Multi SIM phones that handles two or three “active” idle modes at the same time have been around for a couple of years. This has forced the market leader Nokia to lauch Dual SIM phones on these markets. The volumes of Dual SIM phones are large and the main driver has been to save money – use the operator that offers lowest call or data rate at the present location and time. For the local Swedish market this device type may have two implications if or when launched:
- The perceived coverage or availability in rural areas using a single personal “phone” can be significantly improved as described in a Wireless@KTH Master Exam Thesis by Eliane Semaan and at the Online Offroad event in co-operation with Skogforsk, SR Kronoberg .
- In addition this type of mobile terminals may be a key driver for small Private GSM networks with and without roaming to other GSM operators.
Sir by small private GSM network, are you referring to networks owned by small/medium corporates having footprint over limited geographic location e.g. within a city or so?
Sounds more like a private/corporate Wireless Local Loop.
Do such networks even exist?
Syed, correct I was referring to these kind of small independent GSM networks with or without roaming with the global GSM community. For example we have ferry boats, the Ofcom UK Low Power GSM initiative 5 years ago, the unlicensed GSM1800 sub band in Netherlands and the same soon to happen in Sweden (first 1.9 MHz duplex, later 5 MHz).