screenText=The use of open interfaces is another key mechanism in UMTS.

An open interface essentially means that any node, when compliant with the interface, ma y communicate with any other node. We have seen how the separation of core and r adio networks, using a common interface, allowed us to create the independence o f the radio and core network. It allows the service provider to mix and match eq uipment from different vendors to minimize the cost of deployment. Following the trail set by GSM and GPRS, UMTS has provided open interfaces between the core a nd radio networks, as well as between all the radio network elements.