First Open Access IMS launched by TSSG

Rating: TSSG  benefits from Enterprise Ireland’s support

The Telecommunications Software and Systems Group (TSSG) has announced the launch of what it claims is the world’s first ‘open-access’ IMS network. The network exploits Ireland’s plentiful open spectrum.

Kevin Kennedy,  spectrum development manager for ComReg – the Irish telecoms regulator – argued that multiple factors contribute to the availability of spectrum suitable for next generation mobile networks in Ireland.

These include a modest population; only a single border with another European country that can create network interference; and, perhaps most significantly,  no spectrum allocated to military services.

The UK,  for example,  recently announced that it was borrowing spectrum from its own military to provide sufficient coverage  for the forthcoming London Olympic Games 2012. (See GoMo News passim).

Projects like TSSG’s open access IMS network are among the first fruits of Enterprise Ireland’s goal to generate a culture of technological innovation in the country. The TSSG is an Irish research and development centre focused on next-generation networks.

EI is an Irish government organisation aimed at fostering growth in all segments of industry. The body believes that the country is ideally suited to help wireless companies from around the world test their products in an environment that is relatively free from outside interference

The TSSG’s test IMS network is based on Ericsson equipment and has the same capabilities as those used by large carriers. It enables any global technology provider to run tests,  plus test and validate IMS compliant products and functionality.

Gearoid Mooney, who is ICT commercialisation director for EI,  explained that his organisation is content with being an incubator for innovation and exporting the resultant IP to other countries.

“Sure, we’d love to have our own Irish Nokia, but the company has to make the business decision that’s right for it. Many times that means moving to another country,” Mooney commented.

Still, GoMo News anticipates there will be plenty of demand for TSSG’s test IMS network.