Cingular Wireless has announced it will begin field testing a technology that will ease the transition to a nationwide high-speed 3G network.

By using GAIT (GSM/ANSI-136 Interoperability Team), the Atlanta-based operator will allow its subscribers to roam seamlessly between its TDMA and GSM networks.

The testing will occur throughout Cingular’s market, commencing next month and continuing late into 2002, the company said, and include the world’s first GAIT-compliant phone that allows users to access GSM, TDMA, and analog networks.

Using GAIT-based phones, like the recently launched Nokia 6340, customers will benefit from advanced calling features, two-way text messaging, and wireless Internet service, without ever knowing they are moving from one network to another, said Bill Clift, chief technology officer at Cingular.

"The GAIT technology will render the transition between technologies transparent to the customer," Clift said. "GAIT enables a seamless service experience between GSM and TDMA markets, offering the customer an enhanced wireless experience."

According to Nokia, Cingular will be able to introduce the Nokia 6340 handset within the first six months of this year.

Besides roaming capabilities, the Nokia GAIT-compliant phone also features a wallet that allows users to store credit card and debit card information using Electronic Commerce Markup Language (ECML) format, along with shipping addresses and personal notes, in an encrypted area of the phone memory.

"As TDMA carriers, [like Cingular Wireless], prepare for the future by building and integrating GSM technology into their systems," said Nokia’s senior vice president of sales Pekka Vartiainen,

"the Nokia 6340 wireless phone will give operators the flexibility to allow for roaming between their current and future networks."