Record number of devices achieve GCF certification in 2009

UK: A record number of 374 different mobile phones and wireless devices from 27 manufacturers were certified by the Global Certification Forum – GCF - in 2009.

Established in 1999, GCF maintains a “test once, use anywhere” certification scheme designed to accelerate time to market for new devices based on 3GPP standards while reducing costs for manufacturers, operators and, ultimately, end-users. For both GSM and 3G, GCF certification underpins international roaming.

Handsets represented nearly 80 per cent of the devices certified. Data connectivity devices, which included 42 USB modems, eight data cards and seven 3G-connected WiFi hotspots, illustrated the growing consumer acceptance of 3G/HSPA mobile broadband.“Traditional handsets will continue to dominate Certification for a while, but interest in mobile broadband and new device categories is clearly growing,” said Adriana Nugter, GCF Operations Manager. ”Data connectivity and embedded mobile broadband platforms and products accounted for 20 percent of certifications in 2009.”

All five handsets and the two data connectivity devices shortlisted for the Handsets and Devices category of the 2010 Global Mobile Awards were GCF-Certified. Devices certified in the past 12 months can be found on the “Terminal List” on the GCF website.