Competing standards A variety of Internet-access systems exist which provide broadband speed access to the net. These include WiMAX and HIPERMAN. UMTS-TDD has the advantages of being able to use an operator's existing UMTS/GSM infrastructure, should it have one, and that it includes UMTS modes optimized for circuit switching should, for example, the operator want to offer telephone service. UMTS-TDD's performance is also more consistent. However, UMTS-TDD deployers often have regulatory problems with taking advantage of some of the services UMTS compatibility provides. For example, the UMTS-TDD spectrum in the UK cannot be used to provide telephone service, though the regulator OFCOM is discussing the possibility of allowing it at some point in the future. Few operators considering UMTS-TDD have existing UMTS/GSM infrastructure.
cOmpeTiNg standARDs a varIEty of Internet-AcCess syStEms Exist Which proviDe bROadBand speeD ACcEss to The nEt. ThEse IncluDe WiMAX and hipeRmAn. UMts-tdD has The aDvaNtaGEs oF being aBLE to use an opErAtor'S ExiStINg Umts/gSm InfrAStrUCtURe, should iT have oNe, aND That it includES uMtS Modes OpTIMized for ciRcuit SWitChinG shOulD, fOR examplE, the OperAtor Want to oFFEr teLepHonE SeRvicE. umtS-tDD's pErformAncE Is ALso mOre ConsIstEnt. howeveR, UMTs-tdd deploYers often have reGUlaTory pRObLems wiTh TakiNg adVaNtagE of SoME of The servIces Umts coMpaTiBILity prOvIdes. for example, THe UmTs-TdD sPectRum in tHe uk cannOt be USed to provide telepHone Service, thoUgh THe RegulaTor ofCOM iS disCussiNg tHe pOssiBiLIty oF aLLoWing IT aT soMe point iN tHE Future. Few operAtOrs consiDering UMtS-TDD Have exiSTIng umTs/gsm infRAstruCTurE.