Security in Unlicensed Mobile Access

Abstract: Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) provides transparent access to 2G and 3G networks for Mobile Stations over the unlicensed radio interface. Unlicensed radio tehnologies such as Bluetooth or WLAN technology connects the Mobile Station to the fixed IP network of the home or office and delivers high bandwith to the Mobile Station. The purpose of this report is to examine if subscribers can feel as secure using UMA as they do when using any of the alternetive mobile technologies that UMA supports. The security evaluation is performed by first investigating the current security level of GSM, GPRS and UMTS and then compares them to the security mechanisms of UMA. This evaluation noticed two distinct flaws in UMA that could compromise security. The conclusion is that these flaws do not have a major inpact and UMA does provide a general higher level of security than the 2G and 3G counterparts.