Interoperability of PDC with GSM

Currently many countries employ GSM as their cellular systems. In Japan, a PDC cellular system has been introduced. The number of PDC users is increasing significantly, and some PDC users need to roam to a GSM network and vice versa. However, there are some technical incompatibilities between PDC and GSM. Deployment of an IWF (interworking function), which mainly deals with PDC MAP/GSM MAP protocol conversion, would enable roaming between PDC and GSM. Major technical study issues include mobility management, security management and so on. Smart card roaming is regarded as a feasible solution under the different air interfaces. This paper concludes that roaming between PDC and GSM is possible, and will bring great benefit to users.