The DECT Forum, the international association of the wireless home and enterprise communication industry, ETSI, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, and the Home Gateway Initiative (HGI) are pleased to announce the completion and official approval of the ETSI Technical Specification TS 102 527-3* which completes the CAT-iq 2.0 related standards (CAT-iq is a registered trademark in 47 countries worldwide owned by the DECT Forum. It is
based on standards and specifications produced by ETSI (new generation DECT)). CAT-iq provides full interoperability between devices from different vendors, a key requirement of the Network Operators represented by HGI.
With the standardization of CAT-iq – Next Generation DECT*** – the integration of DECT into Broadband IP-Networks has been successfully concluded. This means that CAT-iq certified products can take advantage of IP connectivity to enable wideband telephony and data driven applications in the digital cordless phone market. The availability of this ETSI Specification, together with others already published, makes it possible for vendors and system integrators to develop CAT-iq 2.0 certified products, based on the ETSI standards. The DECT Forum has set up a Certification Program for CAT-iq 2.0 end products (fixed part and/or portable part) to ensure a mandatory quality level and interoperability to specific product parameters, which will provide a consistent end-user experience.
“The availability of this specification is a major milestone for the wired and wireless communication industry. I am expecting first innovative products, based on the new standard for telephony and data communication, in the second half of 2010”, says Erich Kamperschroer, Chairman DECT Forum.
“We anticipate the start of the certification program around mid 2010 and with an ETSI/DECT Forum Plug fest due to take place in mid June we are really excited by the progress being made”, said Daniel Hartnett, Chairman CAT-iq Working Group within DECT Forum.
“Since its introduction almost 20 years ago DECT cordless telephony has been a long lasting continuous success story”, says Dr. Walter Weigel, ETSI Director General. “With the release of this latest ETSI Specification I am convinced that CAT-iq will continue and likely exceed the impressive worldwide deployment and customer acceptance of DECT as a next generation of wireless communication.”
Philippe Calvet, Chairperson of HGI’s Business Group, commented: “For many of our operator members, CAT-iq technology is important to deliver innovative and carriergrade, IP-based telephony services to their customers. HGI has gathered the operators’ service requirements and worked closely with the DECT Forum and ETSI. As a result of this strong collaboration, HGI’s requirements have been fully incorporated into the specifications related to CAT-iq 2.0, and we anticipate the continuing cooperation among our groups will lead to further advances in capabilities,” concluded Philippe Calvet.