Leading independent vendor of Voice over Wi-Fi solutions compatible with mobile networks. These are based on the UMA standard which extends the existing GSM call setup protocols to run over Wi-Fi, extending the existing mobile voice and data services to other radio access technologies. Kineto Wireless adapted and marketed a femtocell gateway, but later discontinued this as a separate product and refocussed on UMA.
Founded in 2001 as a privately owned, venture capital backed business, they are headquartered in Milpitas, California. NEC took a stake in the business in September 2008. A further $15M funding round in 2008 was raised towards femtocell solutions, but the company has since withdrawn from that market.
Their primary business has been around UMA, which extends the GSM/UMTS system to operate over Wi-Fi, requiring specific handsets with UMA compatibility. Their UMA software stack has been licenced by several handset vendors for use in such dual mode WiFi/GSM phones. Several operators run successful UMA services, including T-Mobile USA and France Telecom/Orange. They also developed and supply a UNC, which is a Wi-Fi hotspot controller that consolidates and manages the traffic, connecting into the GSM core network using a standard A and Gb interfaces.
Kineto Wireless then developed a femtocell gateway and proved interworking with Ubiquisys femtocells, forming the cornerstone NEC's end-to-end solution which it installs and integrates for operators. It is believed that their femtocell gateway software continues to be used by NEC but is no longer marketed to other vendors.
The company has refocussed on the use of UMA, developing an application for iPhone and Android which provides similar functionality. This Smart Wi-Fi solution provides wider handset compatibility than dedicated devices. Their Smart Wi-Fi client is also compatible with IMS.
