TDMA convergence for packet data services

The provisioning of packet data services with evolutionary cellular networks is a challenge for current operators. For packet data services, two widely used TDMA-based systems, GSM and TIA/EIA-136, will evolve toward a common radio interface. This article discusses the benefits of that convergence. It presents the network planning principles for the common technology, and estimates the network performance with simulations and by evaluations based on measurements from a current network. The article also discusses the benefits of the convergence for implementation of a mobile handset.