Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has successfully conducted the world’s first “continuous packet connectivity” (CPC) call, aimed at reducing the power load on mobile devices.

 

It says that the introduction of CPC into HSPA+ mobile networks can double the battery life of mobiles using data applications and save up to 50% during voice calls. 

 

NSN said the CPC data call was made using network equipment from its equipment and a device using a Qualcomm chipset.

 

The CPC feature, which is in the latest 3GPP Release 7, takes advantage of the long periods of idle time between transmissions of packets. It shuts down the device’s transmitter and receiver during the idle phases to reduce power consumption, with no effect on the actual data rates.

 

NSN said its Flexi base station and radio network controller can support CPC through a software upgrade.

 

Michael Thelander, CEO of analysis firm Signals Research Group, said: “While a lot of attention gets paid to the higher data rates associated with HSPA+, 3G operators are actually placing equal or even greater emphasis on other key HSPA+ features, such as discontinuous data reception and transmission, which can dramatically extend the battery life and improve overall network efficiency.”