2013 GCF and GTI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote global harmonization of testing and certification for TD-LTE mobile devices on Aug 1.

Established in 1999, the Global Certification Forum\'s proven ‘test once, use anywhere\' certification scheme provides a trusted benchmark of the interoperability of a mobile device across multiple networks. GCF’s focus on minimising duplication of testing helps accelerate the commercialisation of new mobile technologies and reduces time-to-market for new mobile devices.

GTI was founded in 2011 by leading international mobile operators to address the growing demand for mobile broadband; drive the early adoption of TD-LTE; and to promote the convergence of TD-LTE and FD-LTE in order to maximize economies of scale.

The key shared objectives for the two organizations are to champion interoperability in single mode, single- and multi-band TD-LTE devices while stimulating economies of scale by promoting convergence between TD-LTE and FD-LTE by means of multi-mode devices. Establishing a high benchmark for TD-LTE interoperability will also facilitate multilateral co-operation among operators.

GCF introduced certification for TD-LTE in Band 38 in July 2011. The first TD-LTE device was certified in September of the same year. Since then, TD-LTE Certification has been extended to Bands 39, 40 and 41. The availability of certified TD-LTE is expected to grow rapidly as operators accelerate their deployments.

"GCF is keen to work with other industry groups to align priorities and drive economies of scale for the benefit of the wider industry," said Adriana Nugter, GCF’s outgoing Operations Manager who initiated the organization’s relationship with GTI. "Establishing this MoU with GTI will help ensure GCF certification develops in line with the evolving needs of TD-LTE operators and device manufacturers."

"Multi-mode, multi-band devices will be important to the take-up of TD-LTE," said Craig Ehrlich, Chairman of GTI. "The greater availability of GCF-certified TD-LTE devices will help to propel TD-LTE technology into the mainstream internationally."