2012-07-31

Pantech Marauder(TM) To Launch On The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE


Verizon Wireless and Pantech today announced the 4G LTE-powered Pantech Marauder(TM) is coming exclusively to America's largest 4G LTE network starting Aug. 2.

  • Android 4.0 ICS
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
  • 1 GB RAM, microSD up to 32 GB
  • LTE
  • 5 mpx camera
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • WiFi (up to 10 devices)
  • BT3.0
  • DLNA


The Pantech Marauder will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Aug. 2 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

\\marketwatch.com

LTE Lifts Related Test Equipment Market

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, High Growth Opportunity: LTE Test Equipment Market, finds that the global LTE test equipment market generated revenues of $760.8 million in 2011 and is estimated to reach $2,845.6 million in 2018.

If you are interested in more information on this research, please send an email to Jeannette Garcia, Corporate Communications, at jeannette.garcia@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country. \\marketwatch.com

MTS to launch TD-LTE in Moscow

MTS to launch its LTE network Sep.1, 2012, replacing its existing WiMAX service in the process. In an unconfirmed report that cited company representative Dmitry Solodovnikov, Vedomosti suggested that the in-deployment LTE network will have a far larger scope than its WiMAX predecessor, with some 2,000 base transceiver stations (BTS) expected to be constructed by end-2012.

in February 2012 MTS was awarded Moscow’s first LTE licence by the Federal Supervision Agency for IT, Communications & Media (Roskomnadzor). The concession, which will allow it to provide 4G wireless services in the 2595MHz-2620MHz frequency band, will reportedly support the Time Division (TD)-LTE standard. Under the terms of its licence, MTS is required to launch its LTE network on or before 29 December 2013; the concession is valid until 29 December 2016. \\telegeography.com

Nokia Siemens Networks supports Optus network modernization and 4G implementation


Sydney, Australia – July 31, 2012
 
 
Nokia Siemens Networks supports Optus network modernization and 4G implementation
  • To modernize Optus’ mobile network including refarming the 900 MHz GSM frequency band to improve UMTS 3G coverage
  • To implement Evolved Packet Core and rollout parts of 4G LTE 1800 MHz radio access network
 
Optus, one of the leading mobile operators in Australia, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as a partner for its key network initiatives. The agreement includes modernization of the mobile network, refarming the 900 MHz GSM frequency band, and providing infrastructure and services for LTE* (4G) rollout in Sydney and PerthIn addition, as part of this agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks is the sole LTE core provider for Optus.
 
“Spectrum is a scarce resource, so operators are seeking ways to make the best use of it. With this deal, Optus will re-use its existing spectrum to modernize its radio network and also offer 4G services cost-efficiently in one of the largest spectrum migration programs globally,” said Stephen McFeeley, head of Australia and New Zealand at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our mobile broadband offering, based on the Liquid Core and Liquid Radio architectures, will assist Optus in managing the dynamic capacity and technology demands in one of the most advanced mobile broadband markets.”
 
“Our major mobile network initiatives, including network enhancements, U900 MHz spectrum migration program and 4G services rollout aim to provide the best possible experience for our customers,” added Günther Ottendorfer, Managing Director, Networks at Optus. “Nokia Siemens Networks is a key network partner in supporting these initiatives.”
 
Nokia Siemens Networks is upgrading the Optus mobile network and deploying 4G using its Single RAN (radio access network)** platform, based on its compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station. The company is also providing its Evolved Packet Core platform including Flexi NS (Network Server) and Flexi NG (Network Gateway). Optus’ LTE, GSM and 3G networks will be monitored, managed and optimized by Nokia Siemens Networks’ unified network management system, NetAct.
 
In addition to Optus’ in-house services capability, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide Optus with a range of services, including network implementation, spectrum refarming, radio planning, optimization, project management, and care including spare part management, software maintenance, third-party software support and training. Some of these services will be delivered remotely through Nokia Siemens Networks' Global Delivery Centers. Nokia Siemens Networks will also implement its In Building Solution (IBS) that enables reliable mobile broadband connectivity by significantly improving network capacity and coverage inside buildings.
 
The company will provide reliable and secure 4G services over the network through its radio transport security solution. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide network operations support to improve Optus' network efficiency and quality.

* *

More about Optus

Samsung 11.8" LTE tablet specs leaked

Korean manufacturer appears to be working on an extra-large tablet (codenamed P10) with a Retina display 2560x1600 (256 ppx!, screen ratio 16:10) and LTE connectivity. Can we expect it in August? Anyway it is 2012 product.   \theverge.com

Optus initiated LTE TDD 2.3 GHz trial

Optus has initiated a trial of TD-LTE services in western Sydney and in its headquarters, using Nokia Siemens Networks solution and 3 * 20 MHz spectrum (separated) in band 40 (where it has 98 MHz) demonstrating throughput up to 240 Mbps. It plan to launch commercial TD-LTE services in 2013.

Optus just launched FDD-LTE services operating in the 1800 MHz band (2*10 MHz).

\\itwire.com

China Mobile to deploy 1 TD-LTE BS each 3 minuts. Over a 2 year span

China's government official says China Mobile to grow it's TD-LTE network to reach 350 000 BS before the end of 2014. That means about 365*2*24*60 ~ about 1 million minuts, or  3 minut to deploy each of BS. For two years in row.


Sequans Communications. "They're not making any money"

"The majority of their LTE chips won't come to market for another few quarters".

"q3 is do-or-die for them".

"they may indeed need to be absorbed by a larger entity in the semiconductor space if orders don't begin to pick up"

"At the end of June, Sequans began volume shipments of all three chips belonging to their second generation LTE platform".

"They now have more than a dozen manufacturers as customers. Each customer is planning to introduce multiple devices which means at least thirty data devices with their second generation LTE devices should be coming to market".

"They have the most advanced LTE semiconductors on the market"

\seekingalpha.com

2012-07-30

Infrastructure Networks Rolls out small LTE Network in Texas

It is quit small LTE networks - just 5 sites in the Permian Basin Area of West Texas. Sites to be elusively dedicated to the needs of Critical Infrastructure entities. 700 MHz spectrum is good to use in such rural places. \prweb.com

Circuit Switched Fallback can cause underused LTE

While CS Fallback is operating as expected in routing voice calls to the 3G network - there are some short comings to the approach. When a subscriber on the LTE network makes or receives a voice call, the network redirects the device to the 3G network, where the voice call is attempted. Upon completion of the voice call and any active data session, the device must re-select the LTE network.  An unintended consequence is that if an LTE subscriber is using an application (e.g. Facebook) on the 4G network at the time of the call, both the voice and data session are moved back to the 3G network. Until the data session is completed or the device is reset, the subscriber will camp on the 3G network. Subscribers may be \'disappointed by their supposed "˜4G' service which is actually being delivered through the operator's legacy 3G infrastructure. 


The 4G network assets may be underutilised as more subscribers than expected will fallback and stay on the 3G network. While the migration to 4G is meant to alleviate capacity constraints on 3G networks, 4G subscribers camping on the network might cause blocks and access failures for subscribers with only 3G user equipment.


\\telecomlead.com 





SK Telecom showcases VoLTE on Island

SK Telecom took team of journalists and photographers to the remote island of Baekyeong (near border between South and North Korea). There they saw a number of locals test voice and video calls on LTE-enabled handsets provided by the carrier. And the quality of communication seemed to range between solid and exceptional!

SK Telecom officials claim VoLTE will provide enough of value-added experience that customers will be glad to pay for. SK Telecom branded its VoLTE offerings as "HD Voice". Compared to the existing 3G voice calls, it offers up to 2.2 times better sound quality and a twice faster call connection speed, requiring less than 0.3-2.5 seconds in call connecting time. \koreatimes.co.kr

2012-07-29

Pantech Marauder rumored to arrive on Verizon

Rumors yet.

Android 4.0 ICS
LTE
5 mpx camera
QWERTY keyboard

no price tag (middle?), no date (soon)

\phonearena.com

LG Optimus Vu coming to NTT DoCoMo Aug. 3


It would be 3rd LTE smartphone in Japan for LG. Japan sales of the LG's LTE handsets are estimated to have topped the 400,000 mark since the company released its first LTE smartphone in the country late 2011. \view.koreaherald.com

ZTE Flash coming to Sprint in October


OS: Android 4.0 (could be 4.1 by release) / Custom ZTE UI
1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8960 S4, dualcore Snapdragon (same as HTC One X and SGS3)
1GB RAM, 8 GB on board storage, microSDXC support
4.5" HD ISP 1280x720, Gorilla Glass
LTE support
12.6 mpx rear cam, 1 mpx front
NFC
Bluetooth 4.0
.38" (9.6 mm) thick
Date of arrival (estimation): Oct.14 2012

2012-07-28

How to get latest LTE phones over to the network

"Last quarter MetroPCS missed earnings expectations due to higher-than-normal phone subsidy expense. This is the cost the company must incur to get the latest LTE phones over to the network. But as technology and efficiencies of scale and competition all move forward, the price of those LTE handsets is falling". \seekingalpha.com


That is good idea!

Verizon HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE reviewed

Source: androidguys.com 

OS: Android 4.0 ICS, HTC's Sense 4.0 UI
Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8960 s4 dual-core, 1.2 GHz, Adreno 225
1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal storage, microSD slot (up to 32 GB expansion)
4" qHD Super LCD display, 960 x 540 (275 ppi), Corning Gorilla Glass
LTE 
8 mpix rear camera, LED flash, 1080p HD videocapture @ 30 fps, Group Shot
VGA front-facing camera
NFC
DLNA capabilities
3 capacitive buttons
built-in music player, Beats Audio, YouTube video player
1700 mAh battery, 9.57 hours talk time (not bad!), 18.6 days of standby time
4.82"x2.40"x0.46" (122x61x12 mm), 4.66 ounces (132 g).

Price: $US99 (with 2 year contract)

Pantech Star Q leaks for Verizon






New Pantech Star Q, complete with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.


Android 4.0.4 ICS / UI Cream Sandwich
Qualcomm s4 1.5 GHz 
~$49 contract
4" WVGA
3 mpix - rear cam, no flash (!)
\slashgear.com 

IT&E Launches 4G LTE at Guam

Company launched its new 4G LTE data service for mobile phones and a virtual experience center in Agana Shopping Center. \pacificnewscenter.com

Fido (Canada) hops on the LTE bandwagon

Rogers' budget brand Fido will get some LTE of its own. The initial deployment this summer will largely overlap Rogers' fledgling network, starting with cities Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, St. John's, Toronto and Vancouver. Only a Fido Mobile Hotspot with 10-device sharing will be available at start, or you can use you own LTE (AWS) device, if it is not locked to another networks, with the fido's SIM-card. \engadget.com 

2012-07-27

Telecoms.com LTE North America Awards 2012- Now Open for Entries!

The most glamorous night in the North America LTE industry calendar is back for its 3rd year! Telecoms.com LTE North America Awards 2012, taking place on the 14th November at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, will celebrate the triumphs and innovations of North America's LTE marketplace.

Go for Gold in this Olympic year- Enter the Awards Today: 
http://bit.ly/PF6yil 

The past year has seen an influx of LTE network deployments in the North American region, placing it at the forefront of the LTE mobile revolution. We are delighted to introduce two brand new categories this year; 'Best LTE Backhauling Solution' and 'Most Innovative LTE Application/Service' to reflect the movements made in the LTE industry. With a total of 10 different LTE focused categories, the awards provide the perfect opportunity to showcase your involvement and gain industry applause!

Make sure your products & services earn their place in the spotlight and enter today...

ENTRIES CLOSE 31ST AUGUST- to nominate your company download your entry forms from the website by clicking here: 
http://bit.ly/PF6yil 

For more information about the awards, download the brochure here: 
http://bit.ly/PIh5df or visit the website: http://bit.ly/SXkEMN 

2012 Categories

* Category 1- Most Significant Development for Commercial LTE Network- Carrier
* Category 2- Most Significant Development for Commercial LTE Network- Vendor
* Category 3- Best Chipset /Processor Product
* Category 4- Best LTE Core Network Product
* Category 5- Best LTE Device/Handset
* Category 6- Best Test/Measurement LTE Product
* Category 7- Best LTE RAN Product
* Category 8- Best LTE Traffic Management Product
* Category 9- Best LTE Backhauling Solution
* Category 10- Most Innovative LTE Application/Service

MTS will start its TD-LTE network in Moscow Sep.1


OJSC "Mobile TeleSystems» (NYSE: MBT) announces the launch of sales kits "MTS Connect" with support 4G/LTE and the beginning of the transfer of subscribers "Comstar WiMAX" from August 7, 2012.

In retail stores network in Moscow and Moscow region will be available 4G-modems "MTS Connect" (Huawei E392), which also provide high speed internet access in 2G and 3G. The cost of the "MTS Connect" with a modem 4G will be announced on the first day of sales.

When buying a package of "MTS Connect" mobile Internet users during a month will have access to the Internet through a special option "MTS Connect-4."

Internet access to LTE network will be possible from the September 1, 2012. Until this day, 2G/3G data services will be provided.

The package "MTS Connect" modem included 4G MTS, SIM-card with the tariff plan "MTS Connect-4" and one month of using the new option under this tariff.

IDC (Pridnestrovye) launched commercial LTE services

IDC announced Internet 4G service speed increase based on LTE 800 network.

Tariffs:

Just this summer, when you buying a 4G-modem IDC gives free connection* to 4G LTE and up to 9 months paid mobile Internet. Subscribe and get you a really fast internet connection without wires.
The period of free service depends on the plans:
  • for the Gepard 5  expires  01/04/2013
  • for the Gepard 10  valid till  01.01.2013
  • for the Gepard 20  valid till  01.11.2012
  • for the Gepard 30  valid till  01.10.2012
  • for the Gepard 40  valid till  01.10.2012
  • for the Gepard Unlim  valid until  01.09.2012
At the time of free service on the selected subscriber limited edition package unencumbered traffic included in the package does not pass to the next month. 

Just this summer, for each subscriber 4G LTE - Network and IP-TV with no monthly fee! Plug and download! 


LTE Tests starts from 21 April 2012. Now is commercial phase to begin. DL up to 60 Mbit/s.


UE: USB-dongles Samsung GT-B3740 (US$90) and ZTE MF 821D (US$90)


 
\idc.md

There is 27 million LTE connections worldwide end of 2q2012 / Wireless Intelligence

Operators in the USA, South Korea and Japan have established themselves as the early leaders in LTE, jointly accounting for almost nine in every ten of the world’s LTE connections in Q2 2012, according to Wireless Intelligence.

It is estimated that global LTE connections topped 27 million at the end of Q2, up from around 10 million at the end of 2011; US operators accounted for 47 percent of the total, followed by South Korea (27 percent) and Japan (13 percent).




While these three markets dominate connection volumes to date, LTE networks are being launched in an increasing number of countries across the world. Wireless Intelligence estimates that the number of global markets with live LTE networks has grown from 30 at the end of 2011 to over 40 six months later, with LTE launching for the first time in H1 2012 in major markets such as India and Russia.
The world’s largest LTE operator is currently the US market leader, Verizon Wireless. The US number-one first launched its next-generation network at the end of 2010 and it is now live in 337 regional markets, covering nearly 75 percent of the US population (233 million POPs). Last week, Verizon announced that it had sold 3.2 million LTE devices in Q2, bringing its cumulative total past 10 million, and representing over 12 percent of retail postpaid connections.
Its major rivals are playing catch-up. AT&T launched LTE in September last year and is currently live in 47 markets, with plans to complete rollout by the end of next year. It claims its 4G-branded network (HSPA+/LTE) covers 260 million of the population; it had a third of its postpaid smartphone subscribers (2.5 million) using its '4G' devices by Q2. Number-three US operator Sprint switched on its first LTE networks in 15 markets earlier this month, while several US regional operators have also launched, including the two largest, MetroPCS and Leap Wireless.
Meanwhile, the South Korean market leader SK Telecom announced this week that it had surpassed 4 million LTE subscribers, adding the last million in just 44 days (it hit the 3 million mark on 6 June), with an average of 41,000 LTE users signing up per day in July. It is targeting 7 million in total by year-end. The operator also claims to be the first in the world to launch multi-carrier LTE, planning to roll-out the technology across Seoul and six other metropolitan cities this year.
SK’s rivals are not far behind. According to local press reports this week, LG Uplus – which launched LTE at the same time as SK (July 2011) – has close to 3 million LTE subscribers, while KT has 1.4 million following launch in January this year.
Japan’s largest operator, NTT Docomo, launched LTE in December 2010 and also this week announced it had hit the 4 million milestone. The Xi-branded network passed the 4 million subscriber mark on 22 July, around one and a half months after reaching 3 million. The operator attributed the accelerating growth to the launch of a fresh range of compatible smartphones earlier in the year.
Docomo’s first domestic LTE competition came via SoftBank Mobile, which launched services in February this year based on AXGP, a similar technology to TD-LTE, and had 132K subs on the network by the end of June. EMOBILE launched LTE in March, while second-placed Japanese operator KDDI plans to do so before year-end.

\wirelessintelligence.com

I assume it is too optimistic evaluation.

First Sprint 4G LTE-enabled Device with Full QWERTY - Motorola PHOTON Q 4G LTE

Sprint (NYSE: S), the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network1, and Motorola Mobility today announce Motorola PHOTON Q™ 4G LTE, the next generation of last summer’s popular Motorola PHOTON™ 4G. The new device will boast a five-row, PC-like QWERTY keyboard, international capabilities and a generous 4.3-inch ColorBoost™ display, as well as the ability to operate on Sprint’s new lightning-fast 4G LTE network2. Pricing and availability for Motorola PHOTON Q will be announced within the next few weeks.

  
Offering an impressive 4.3-inch ColorBoost™ display, Motorola PHOTON Q offers the largest screen currently available on a 4G LTE QWERTY smartphone. This makes it easy to browse the Web using Google Chrome without enlarging text, look at detail-rich pictures without having to zoom in, and watch a show without straining your eyes. Motorola’s exclusive ColorBoost™ display enables colors to be richer and more vibrant than other smartphones on the market. And with scratch-resistant glass and splash-guard coating, Motorola PHOTON Q resists everyday scratches and spills.

In addition to its technological prowess, Motorola PHOTON Q is the seventh device in the Sprint line-up to receive ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint.

Additional key features on Motorola PHOTON Q include:
  • Android™ 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich
  • 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
  • 1GB RAM, 8GB on board, up to 32 GB microSD
  • Rear-facing 8MP camera with 1080p video capture @30 fps and playback. Plus, those photos can be set to automatically upload to Google+™ so you don’t have to worry about accidently deleting them. Flash LED.
  • Front-facing HD camera 1.3 mpx for easy Google+™ Hangout video chats or conference call
  • Mirror mode when connected with HDMI cable (sold separately) to view images, files and movies on a larger screen, like your TV at home.
  • Wi-Fi bgn (hotspot up to 8 devices functionality), Bluetooth 4.0
  • AGPS, microUSB, microHDMI
  • Sprint ID, offering an innovative way to personalize an Android smartphone with apps, widgets, ringtones and more all, in a single download
  • NFC support to share links, apps, YouTube™ clips and more with Android™ Beam
  • 1785 mAh battery, ~7.5 h talk time, 220 h standby
Expected price is US$49 with 2-year contract.
Sprint already offering HTC EVO 4G LTE and Samsung Galaxy S3 which looks as better deal. "However, the affordable price tag can help Motorola in selling a few thousand units of its upcoming 4G LTE smartphone". \\ mobilenapps.com

According to an announcement on the official Motorola blog, starting with the recently announced Motorola PHOTON Q 4G LTE, users will be able to unlock the bootloader. \\ubergizmo.com

\mediacenter.motorola.com \mobilenapps.com \ubergizmo.com

2012-07-26

MetroPCS had about 8% of its subscribers on 4G LTE

At the end of the second quarter, MetroPCS had about 8 percent of its subscribers on 4G LTE services, MetroPCS said.

"At the end of the third quarter, affordable 4G LTE handsets will be available and we will be very near the completion of our 4G LTE network buildout with over 97 percent of all our POPs covered," Chief Executive Roger Linquist said. \Reuters

8 percent is about 0,75 млн LTE AWS subscribers. Total number of LTE subscribers worldwide is more then 22.5 million.


SmartTone (Hong Kong) to launch commercial LTE 1800 network on 28 Aug 2012

Existing tariffs would apply for the LTE service. LTE solution vendor is Ericsson. \telegeography.com

Sequans Communications reported an increase shipments of LTE products

Sequans Communications announced finsncial results for 2q2012. Revenue of US$7 million (+71% qq and -77% yy). The sequential increase reflects an increase in shipments of LTE products...

"We achieved a very important milestone for the company at the end of June when we began volume shipments of all three chips in our second generation LTE platform. We also achieved true, sustained 150 Mbps throughput over a 20 MHz FDD channel, showing that our currently-shipping platform provides the highest possible LTE performance. We made key technology announcements regarding interference mitigation technology and a new reference solution for mobile 4G Voice over LTE. Based on the advanced capabilities of our LTE platform, we achieved design wins in several countries, and we strengthened our relationships with several key operators via collaboration on additional advanced features and capabilities, setting the stage for more progress in the future," said Mr. Karam, Sequans CEO. \marketwatch.com

Operators goes to LTE 1800

1800 MHz spectrum is used in over a quarter of launched LTE networks worldwide.  Use of 1800 MHz for LTE is also gathering pace – of 17 commercial networks launched since the beginning of May 2012, 7 were deployed with spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. \fiercewireless.com

A Profile of Spectrum Bands Used for Commercial LTE Deployments Source: Tolaga LTE Market Monitor 2012


Tolaga's Radio Spectrum Intelligence:

  • Where spectrum in the 1800 MHz band is unallocated, regulators need to consider its expedited release in the context of existing operator holdings and LTE plans. 
  • If unused or underutilized spectrum is identified, regulators may assess opportunities for its reclamation and reallocation, depending upon demand. 
  • Where spectrum re-farming or flexible use is not permitted in the band, such restrictions should be urgently revisited to allow for technological neutrality at 1800 MHz, and indeed in other legacy bands.

\fiercewireless.com

Director KT, Korea: “Small cells for LTE could be the key”

How important are small cells to your network roll-out plans?

Denny Kim, director of KT (S.Korea):
In high density areas LTE sites must be deployed extremely closely together so in that environment inter-cell interference will be a big issue to tackle. KT has deployed the LTE virtualization network technology to control the inter-cell interference in high density areas. Small cells for LTE could be the key to achieve the expected throughput performance. \telecoms.com

2012-07-25

NSN has 62 commercial references in place for the delivery of LTE


Nokia Siemens Networks commercial LTE references status July 2, 2012
2012
June 6th, Zain KSA
May 7th, T-Mobile USA
April 26th, Hrvatski Telekom Croatia 
April 25th, Tele2 
April 16th, SOFTBANK MOBILE
April 10th, StarHub
February 29th, Bharti Airtel
February 9th, Telus Canada*
January 20th, KT Korea
2011
December 14th, KDDI CDMA CSFB
December 13th, Sky Brazil
September 15th, STC in Saudi Arabia
September 13th, Bell Canada*
August 31st, TeliaSonera in Finland
August 31st, LMT (TeliaSonera) in Latvia
May 19th, LG U+ in South Korea
May 13th, Azerfon in Azerbaijan*
March 28th, Telecom Italia
February 15th, Telefónica O2 Germany
February 10th, SK Telecom in Korea
February 9th, TeliaSonera in Denmark/Finland/Estonia
January 10th, Mosaic Telecom to improve rural broadband experience
TMN, Portugal
2010
Dec 17th, TeliaSonera Estonia*
Dec 9th, TeliaSonera in Denmark*
Dec 2nd, Tele 2 in Sweden
Oct 22nd, Deutsche Telekom in Germany
Oct 7th, LightSquared network in the USA
June 22nd, Telia Sonera in Sweden
June 4th, Elisa in Finland
March 31st, Zain in Bahrain
Feb 14th, Zain in Saudi Arabia
Telenor in Denmark
Mobily in Saudi Arabia
Elisa in Estonia
2009
Aug 19th, KDDI in Japan
Feb 18th, Verizon in the USA*
2008
Oct 27th, NTT DOCOMO EPC
2007
Dec 4th, NTT DOCOMO Radio
The 25+ trials and tests of Nokia Siemens Networks include:
2011
March 25th, China Mobile

BlackBerry PlayBook with LTE landing next week

Exact date - July 31. Bell Canada is among of the carriers planning to offer the LTE-version of the tablet.
7", PlayBook OS 2.0, 1 GB RAM, 32GB, 1.5 GHz dual-core chipset (TI OMAP or Qualcomm), 5 mpx rear camera. 3 mpx front-dacing camera and integrated LTE modem. $550 unsubsidized. \slashgear.com

White papers: LTE and 1800 MHz opportunity

This is not fresh prepared White papers at all. Northstream examined status of LTE 1800 at March 2012. Still it is good to read, if you did not.

2012-07-24

NTT Docomo's LTE connections surpassed 4 million

Xi reached four million subscribers just one and a half month after it surpassed the three million mark on June 8, 2012. The appearence of Xi-compatible smartphone lineup in summer 2012 nearly doubled the pace of new subsriptions.

DoCoMo expect to attract customers even more with the plan of Xi Talk 24 for free - unlimited voice calls between Xi-compatible smartphones. \pipelinepub.com


LTE connections globally surpassed 22 million as for the July.

LTE will help Motorola Solutions to benefit

Trefis team: "We see the adoption of LTE for public safety as the next big growth driver. The company’s [Motorola Solutions'] recent introduction of the LEX 700, the first handheld public safety LTE device, showed its market leadership. Last quarter, it was also awarded a $4 million contract from Harris County, Texas to expand their public safety LTE network. We are likely to witness a more widespread shift from the older analog to newer digital networks as faster technologies such as LTE are adopted in the marketplace and local governments overhaul their analog networks. We expect Motorola Solutions to benefit hugely from this industry-wide LTE shift in the coming years. \trefis.com

Park Associates - number of 4G/LTE subs to exceed 50 million in 2012

Parks Associates' new report Driving 4G Adoption: Global Mobile Innovation finds Asia & Pacific will claim over 53% of all 4G/LTE subscribers by the end the year, helping push the total number of subscribers over 560 million globally by 2016.


Park Associates:

- in 2016, 4G/LTE subscribers will account for 8.8% of worldwide mobile subscriptions

- 61% of U.S. mobile phone users have some knowledge of the term "4G", but only 20% understand the term "LTE"

Jennifer Kent, Research Analyst, Parks Associates, - "Verizon Wireless recently introduced its ShareEverything plan, which allows users to share one data quota across multiple mobile broadband devices. Share data plans should encourage subscribers to add more mobile devices, while offering unlimited text messaging mitigates the threat of third-party messaging services like Whatsapp."

\parksassociates.com

KPN will start LTE 1800 massive deployment

Interesting enough KPN (Netherlands) already running LTE 2600 in Utrecht and The Hague for business users, but "it is not suitable for a large network", so KPN starts "big rollout" of LTE 1800 network. \tweakers.net

All four mobile operators in Netherlands (Hutchison 3 HK, Ziggo, Tele2 and KPN) provide limited LTE 2600 services from May 2012, but KPN is the first who announced massive deployment. Surprise or not, it will be one more LTE 1800 network.

The competitors probably plan to choose between 800 MHz opportunity (regulator OPTA is expected to auction 800 MHz spectrum around Oct. 2012) and 1800/2600 alternatives.

Analysts: Pricing and profit models still not clear for LTE and TD-LTE coming fast

LTE will generate over US$1.7 bn for vendors in 2012 and 10 times more by 2017, according to the latest research 4GCounts report by Maravedis-Rethink.

Despite a 61% increase in subscribers between the first and second quarters of 2012, LTE will account for less than 5% of global wireless capex this year, and mass LTE deployments are highly concentrated within a few carriers and geographies. Maravedis-Rethink found that 4G service pricing strategies worldwide are in chaos, with major implications for margins and data roaming.

"Maravedis-Rethink anticipates that 560 million LTE subscribers will be active by 2017, of which 25% or 117 million will be TD-LTE users," said Cintia Garza, 4GCounts team leader. Multi-mode devices will be essential to TD-LTE uptake, and the study forecasts that by 2017, 83% of devices will be capable of supporting both TDD and FDD modes.




Other key findings:

* The Top 50 LTE operators profiled in 4GCounts reached a total LTE subscriber base of 17.6 million at the end of Q1 2012, in a global total of 20 million.
* In Q1 2012, NSN and Huawei enjoyed the lion's share of awarded LTE contracts, with 28% and 24% respectively.
* The WiMAX subscriber base will decline from 25 million in 2012 to 11 million by 2017.

\rethinkresearch.biz

Demands for 3G/4G enabled iPads and other tablets will drop!

CSS Insight's analysts predicts that most users will eventually choose not to buy LTE iPads and other 3G/4G tablets in next four years. The reason is clear - the majority of users that purchase tablets prefer to use wi-fi and rarely use 3G/4G data services due to the current price of tablets and mobile data subscriptions. \cultofmac.com

LTE/4G patent pool is for sale

RSL Holdings Inc. toady announces the sale of "a seminal patent portfolio consisting of assets surrounding mobile network infrastructure technologies related to 4G/LTE and WiFi". Bids will be accepting until Sept.25 2012.

"The patents provide for both micro and macro "carrier class" network infrastructures capable of terminating voice and data traffic and their associated protocols at a central internet backbone access point, providing for all of the necessary transport and remote management capabilities to deliver fully featured voice and data telecommunications services. The patents in the portfolio were developed early in the 2000s and provide for wide-band, wide-area wireless systems which today are simply called "4G/LTE."  \MarketWatch.com

Ofcom UK 4G LTE auction to take place by end of 2012

Ofcom announced today that it will host an auction of 4G LTE spectrum 'by the end of 2012'. Bids should be collected by early 2013. Regulator plan to collect about GBP40 billion.

Operators will start rollouts at the middle of 2013, active services for the customers is expected to be available by the end of 2013.

Spectrum would be available for the three biggest operators and it would be spectrum reserve for a fourth national wholesaler as well.  \knowyourmobile.com

Vodafone Hutchison Australia may go stright to LTE1800

Vodafone Hutchison Australia may skip digital dividend auction. Company instead focus on rolling up LTE 1800 network. It is not decided yet, but it is possible.
"We have to weigh that against the current spectrum position we have, which is actually quite rich," Morrow said. "If you look at the depth of what we have at the 1800MHz level, we're in a far better position than any of the other two carriers and there is plenty of spectrum to use for LTE."
Although an LTE network in 700MHz spectrum will mean fewer base stations, Morrow said the company was prepared to install a few more base stations for 1800MHz, as it may ultimately end up being cheaper than forking out his estimate AU$900 million for the 700MHz spectrum.
New CEO Bill Morrow predicts the company will be able to offer LTE download speeds up to 150 Mbps.
"1800[MHz] for LTE is probably the most-deployed spectrum around the planet right now; that is going to have the best economies of scale," he said.
\zdnet.com

There is downward trend in the value of this spectrum in Western Europe discovered .

We can take in account 25 LTE 1800 commercial networks worldwide as well.

Seems we really got a trend? Still I guess that spectrum <1 GHz is very good for rural and remote LTE solutions, so the best for the operator is combined LTE system with the smart use of two or more frequency bands.

Qualcomm is promoting LTE Direct based on p2p technology

LTE Direct is a potential new standard based on p2p technology. Idea is to let two cellular devices communicate over the air without relying on a fixed network infrastructure. Two main applications possible:  public safety communications in areas, where mobile networks are down or unawailable, and a "discovery mode" that provides information location based. If the idea continued to advance, the system could then become part of LTE Release 12 or Release 13, which will probably come out in 2014 or 2015 /pcworld.com

More about LTE Direct \androidauthority.com

2012-07-23

TV White Space Spectrum for LTE

TVWS (TV White Space Spectrum) is unused and lightly-used chunks of spectrum between TV channels spanned roughly 450 MHz - 850 MHz varying from country to country. It is no big set of frequencies, but their propagation is quite good, so fewer base stations are required.

LTE, LTE-A or Wi-Fi could be the air interface, few vendors already are developing TVWS solutions. Heavy reading 4G/LTE Insider prepared the report "TV White Space Spectrum for LTE: It's Free, but Not Cheap". Price: US$900.

\heavyreading.com

Sample:



Table of contents


Nokia Siemens Networks demonstrated 1.3 Gbits throughput over TD-LTE

It was showcasing LTE-Advanced in Arlington Heights, Chikago (ex-Moto) labs.
"Using our commercial Single RAN Flexi base station hardware, we demonstrated a speed of 1.3 Gigabits per second (Gbps) throughput over TD-LTE by aggregating 60 MHz of spectrum. At this speed, we were able to show how we can help operators meet their customers’ increased uplink capacity demand through a new LTE-Advanced feature, Multi User MIMO (or MU-MIMO). This demonstration replicated our recent record speed demo in Beijing, but used a different configuration of the 3GPP specification – config1 – and included MU-MIMO uplink capabilities". \http://blogs.nokiasiemensnetworks.com
That is really cool result, especially if we take into account that it was used commercial hardware.