Alcatel-Lucent and Samsung on Wednesday introduced technology that will enable consumers with mobile devices to roam from cellular GSM/EDGE networks to WiMAX networks without disrupting their mobile connection.

A technology or service that links GSM/EDGE, the world's most widely deployed cellular communications technology, and WiMAX, a fledgling wireless technology, could provide a much-needed boost for WiMAX,experts say.

The dual-mode technology, if it works seamlessly, will allow WiMAX carriers to cover much larger geographical areas. For instance subscribers will be able to move without disruption from high-bandwidth services on WiMAX networks,which tend to be more prevalent in urban areas, to GSM/EDGE services in suburban and rural settings.

And since both technologies are based on international standards,carriers will have the option of offering their subscribers country-to-country roaming capabilities.

"This certainly helps WiMAX service providers to extend their coverage areas, and from a consumer perspective it makes WiMAX much more attractive," said Fred Boxa, principal with IBB Consulting.

WiMAX has languished for six years as WiFi and cellular data services such as EDGE emerged as loosely competitive technologies, but a number of top-tier carriers including Sprint Mobile have committed to WiMAX and given it a credibility boost.

Alcatel-Lucent and Samsung are not the only telecommunications equipment providers working on dual-mode mobile communications involving WiMAX.

Intel and Nokia are demonstrating WiFi to WiMAX roaming technology at Mobile World Congress currently taking place in Barcelona, Spain.

Alcatel-Lucent, Intel, and Samsung are major backers of WiMAX, a wireless broadband technology that competes with wired technologies such as DSL and cable modems.

All three firms market WiMAX products and services and stand to benefit if WiMAX emerges as a major mobile communications technology. But many industry experts see the most potential for WiMAX in the developing world, where it does not compete with wired services such as DSL.

"If you believe that WiMAX has a better chance of being adopted on a larger scale in developing geographic regions, then this kind of [dual-mode] technology would be very attractive," said Gemma Tedesco, senior analyst with In-Stat.