Numbering, naming and addressing for third generation mobile communications

The third generation (3G) of mobile communications is approaching fast and networks based on 3G technology will be operational in the next few years in the major European countries. They will inherit system characteristics both from traditional telecommunications and from computer communications. We must establish a naming and addressing system for 3G that accommodates and coexists with IP and with traditional telephone numbering systems. We can see convergence between traditional telecommunications and information technology and computer networks in the development of mobile multimedia communication systems. This, in itself, will make new solutions necessary in the area of numbering, naming and addressing. The intention is that 3G will support many advanced numbering and addressing concepts such as "nicknames" and alphanumeric names. Nickname features will enable the use of locally significant "Internet style" alphanumeric sequences to call subscribers. The subscribers themselves, the service providers or third parties will be able to devise and tailor the nickname schemes to meet their own requirements. Number portability features will enable the subscriber to change service provider or network operator without changing their number.