Ericsson said its Mobile Operator WLAN solution is focused on helping operators to integrate wireless LAN with their existing 2G and 3G mobile business, as well as reusing investments made in subscriber management, billing and authentication. As part of this collaboration, Agere said it will supply 802.11b modules, software, and SIM technology for a solution that Ericsson will offer to service providers.

Along with Wi-Fi technology, the package Agere plans to develop includes authentication software compliant with the SIM Extensible Authentication Protocol for GSM and the Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) protocol for UMTS networks. Agere said support of these two protocols allows network operators to provide the same security and billing services used in existing and next-generation wireless networks. Agere expects to begin delivering Wi Fi products with SIM technology in the first half of next year.