From 3GSM this week, Sonus Networks said it is developing a suite of products for mobile communications providers designed to deliver voice service and multimedia applications that use low-powered (LP) GSM picocell and femtocell technologies.

Sonus is hoping to support operators in regions where new wireless licenses have been released.

In addition to better in-building coverage, Sonus said combining the use of picocells and femtocells with Sonus’ IP multimedia subsystem (IMS)-based architecture, reduces the costs for traffic backhaul. The company cited research by Unstrung estimating that by leveraging a VoIP infrastructure as part of a complete LP GSM solution, backhaul costs can be reduced from approximately 50 Euros per subscriber to approximately 20 Euros per subscriber.

The products also will provide a migration path to an IMS architecture.

Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO of Sonus said regulators in Europe are responding to increased demand for seamlessly mobility between the homes and business with the release of additional spectrum and that Sonus is committed to helping operators seize the opportunity.

In April 2006, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the United Kingdom was first to release new wireless licenses into the market giving network operators the ability to move beyond traditional radio access networks to also provide fixed and wireless broadband services. With the development of Sonus’ new product portfolio, network operators will be able to bridge the mobile and fixed-line networks.