Carmen Nobel at eWEEK writes that cellular network infrastructure provider Airvana has announced the launch of a new Universal Access Gateway (UAG) that will let wireless carriers extend their services beyond a cellular network. The UAG supports both cellular networks and IP-based networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and WiMAX.

"The UAG demonstrates Airvana's vision of mobile broadband everywhere - the true coexistence of cell and IP-based access technologies," says Airvana CEO Randy Battat. "Whereas operators have been apprehensive about losing traffic and subscriber revenue to converged networks, the UAG bridges the gap between Access Networks and Service Networks, allowing them to offer services wherever subscribers initiate a connection."

With security a key concern for corporate users, the UAG protects traffic at the network layer, and comes with billing software to help carriers differentiate between cellular and other services. The gateway is currently in trials, and will be commercially available to carriers next year.

Airvana's press release is here.