Tied to the handset no longer

TECHNOLOGY: You can now switch your CDMA handset just as easily as the GSM one.

We all know how simple it is for a user of GSM mobile technology to change handsets. All you have to do is remove the (SIM) card from one phone and slip it into another.

Now users of the competing CDMA technology can also change handsets just as easily, thanks to what is being referred to as Removable User Identity Module or RUIM.

"The RUIM technology enables handsets' independence (from the telecom network operator)," says K K Kushwaha, country director (sales and marketing), Kyocera India.

This Japanese handset manufacturer would like to get an early mover advantage as it believes that RUIM-enabled handsets can drive CDMA's popularity in India.

CDMA is a later entrant to the country's mobile scene and has managed to capture about a quarter (27 million) of the mobile market that is dominated by GSM users (79 million).

Telecom operator Tata Teleservices is confident that RUIM enabled handsets will be heartily accepted in tier II and III cities, where there is a latent demand to frequently upgrade CDMA handsets. "We have almost 12 RUIM handsets at every price point," says a Tata Teleservice's official.

And what does it take to enable RUIM? Apparently, not much. "There is hardly any change to the CDMA operator's network system, but for a minor change to handset software," says Kushwaha.

Kyocera has launched three RUIM enabled handsets in the range Rs 3,000 - 8,000 and they are currently bundled with Reliance CDMA. It plans to introduce new models every three months, and is keen to form alliances with operators to popularise RUIM in India.

CDMA network operators seem to be less than enthusiastic about RUIM since it would dilute their hold over the consumer "" who is generally convinced to buy the handset, alongwith the connection. The largest CDMA operator in the country "" Reliance Communications "" declined to comment on RUIM's future.

Industry watchers feel that the CDMA operators should look across at their GSM cousins and be reassured that easily removable cards do not retard subscriber growth, but in fact, add to it.