Agere Systems and Ericsson plans to work together to deliver technology that expands service providers' ability to provide laptops and handheld devices with access to the Internet and corporate networks from public spaces.

According to the companies, they will provide complementary 802.11/Wi-Fi solutions that connect to service providers' network hubs to enable user authentication and billing, which they claim is a key step toward offering mobile users the freedom of roaming network access. The solution is slated to use SIM (subscriber identification module) technology similar to what GSM phones use today.

Using the SIM technology, laptop users could log onto their company's network while waiting for a commuter train without plugging into the data port of a public telephone or providing credit card information. The companies said the combination of 802.11/Wi-Fi and SIM technology also enables roaming between service providers, ensuring broader network access for PC users on the move. By offering high-speed data access to mobile PC users, Agere and Ericsson said service providers can supply data intensive services such as electronic mail, virtual meetings and web surfing.

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.