SIMCom Completes Tests of GSM module for eCall and ERA Glonass Readiness on Russian Network

SIMCom Wireless Solutions has said that it has successfully concluded tests of SIMComs GSM module for eCall / ERA Glonass readiness on Russia’s real network.

eCall and ERA Glonass are the European Union (EU) and Russian initiatives. They are expected to capitalize on GSM and GPS technologies for vehicle emergency response service.

European Commission and the Russian government are independently leading the projects. They expect to provide rapid assistance to motorists in case a collision happens anywhere in the European Union and Russia.

The initial implementation of eCall and ERA Glonass is scheduled to take place after 2013. Company officials said that the implementation is backed up by a number of car, truck and bus manufacturers and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

The core functionality of eCall / ERA Glonass requires an embedded computer that continuously monitors crash sensors and a GPS receiver, initiating an automated data and voice call through a dedicated GSM modem in case of an emergency.

As SMS and GPRS do not provide the necessary service priority or availability, one of the key requirements for eCall is that both data and the voice call must use the same physical voice channel.

The company has implemented a comprehensive in-band modem test case on the real trial-network in Russia, said Jeffery Song, technical support director at SIMCom, adding that the extremely positive results of the tests validated SIMCom’s in-band modem capabilities and it fully meets the standards requirements.

“It has convinced our customers that SIMCom is completely ready to help them win more business opportunities,” Song said.

SIMCom Wireless Solutions, a subsidiary of SIM Technology Group Ltd., is a provider of wireless modules for different technology platforms in GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA, TD-SCDMA, EVDO, Short Range and GPS.

Last year in November, the company announced the successful certification of SIM5320A for use on AT&T's wireless data network in the US market.