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GCF Certification Services

GCF Certification - as good as a must for global roaming

The Global Certification Forum (GCF) was established in 1999 in order to supplement the very limited regulatory requirements for different regions such as Europe or specific areas in Asia. Purpose of the GCF is it to provide the certification framework for end-products (devices) with integrated, cellular technologies such as GERAN (GSM), UTRAN (UMTS) and E-UTRAN (LTE) and which work within the global frequency bands (GSM 900/1800, FDD I and FDD VIII).

An independent certification program, which gets continuously updated, has been set-up by the GCF. Goal is it to help ensure the global interoperability between mobile devices and mobile networks. Almost all big network operators using cellular 3GPP technologies are member of the GCF.

The GCF certification process

The GCF certification process is based on technical requirements as specified within dedicated test specifications provided by the 3GPP, OMA, IMTC, the GSM Association and others. Test Cases from these test specifications are being selected in order to verify the correct technology behavior of mobile devices. Testing takes place in GCF qualified test laboratories, such as 7 layers.

Due to the continuous technological development both of the innovative mobile devices entering the
market and the development of the networks themselves, GCF is constantly updating the requirements
for GCF certification.

Although GCF certification is voluntary,
most network operators and retailers require this certification.

7 layers – your partner for GCF certification

7 layers runs several GCF accredited laboratories in various locations worldwide.
We joined GCF right from the start and are an active member in all GCF working groups such as the Steering Group, the Agreement Groups as well as other Ad-hoc Groups.

Due to our active membership in these groups, we are highly competent to guide you through all technical and procedural process elements.

You can rely on our extensive and up-to-date know how of the GCF certification process, which we have proven in a large number of projects during recent years. The GCF experts of our accredited test laboratories can help you to pass the GCF certification process as fast as possible.

GCF certification services – provided by 7 layers

▬ Consulting on GCF certification
▬ Consulting on technical documentation
▬ Analyses of technical issues as identified
▬ Consulting on issue resolutions
▬ GERAN and UTRAN conformance testing
    (GSM, GPRS, EDGE, AMR, DARP, UTRA-FDD, A-GPS, HSPA,...)
    in all frequency bands
▬ Application Enabler conformance and interoperability testing
    (MMS, DM, Browsing, Video Telephony, S-UPL, IMS, …)
▬ RF Antenna performance testing (TRP, TIS - OTA)
▬ Radiated Spurious Emission testing
    GCF field testing according to all required real-life network scenarios