Multivendor possibilities in GSM radio networks

In general, a multivendor environment offers advantages for both network operators and manufacturers. For a network operator, the multivendor environment introduces competition in investments and independence from one supplier. For a manufacturer multivendor environment offers a possibility to be the second supplier in an existing network. In a GSM network, the most interesting part from the multivendor point of view is the radio network where most of the investments are made. The GSM's telecommunications specifications support a multivendor environment and most of the existing implementations are interoperable from this point of view. However, the network management specifications are still to be finalised. The problems and possibilities of introducing a multivendor environment regarding network management are presented for the following cases: multiple vendors at the base station system (BSS) level; and multiple vendors at the base station (BTS) level.