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UMA, or Unlicensed Mobile Access, is a telecommunications technology that allows mobile devices to switch seamlessly between cellular networks (like GSM) and unlicensed wireless networks (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) for voice, data, and messaging services. By using Wi-Fi hotspots or home broadband connections, UMA helps improve indoor coverage, reduce dropped calls, and offload traffic from cellular networks. It is particularly useful in areas with weak mobile signals. UMA is a key component of Generic Access Network (GAN) architecture and was an early step toward technologies like Wi-Fi Calling, which are now standard in many modern smartphones.
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