GAIT (wireless) - Implementation

Implementation

A GAIT-compliant mobile phone typically accepts a SIM card, similar to a standard GSM phone; however, depending on the wireless provider, the SIM card enables access not only to that wireless provider's GSM network, but also enables use of the telephone on any TDMA or AMPS networks run by the wireless provider. In addition to the usual IMEI found on standard GSM mobile phones, a GAIT-compliant mobile phone also includes an AMPS-style ESN unique to the mobile phone.

In the United States, Cingular Wireless (now AT&T Mobility) offered the Nokia 6340 and Sony Ericsson T62u to customers who wished to have a GAIT mobile phone (although these phones are no longer marketed through AT&T). The Nokia 6340 was also offered by Canadian provider Fido Solutions. The version sold by Fido was unique in that it was used solely for analog roaming, with the IS-136 "TDMA" portion of the phone disabled. Fido discontinued the phone upon their acquisition by Rogers Wireless, which allowed access to Rogers' extensive GSM network that already overlaid the existing analog networks in Canada. Rogers Wireless, meanwhile, never offered a GAIT solution to customers, as their entire IS-136 TDMA and AMPS networks were overlaid with GSM by the time the service was launched.