2012-11-30
iPhone 5 Gets China Network Access License
According to a regulatory website, an Apple device resembling the iPhone 5 has received approval for a “network access” license in China. //blogs.wsj.com
EE Delivers more data and more choice with new 4G mobile broadband plans
The 4GEE Mobile Broadband plans now include data allowances increased by around 60%, with no rise in monthly fee. The 2GB plan now becomes a 3GB allowance, with the 3GB plan increasing to 5GB, and the 5GB allowance now extending to 8GB. All existing 4GEE customers will be automatically upgraded to the new data allowances, with no increase in their monthly fee, allowing them to get more out of superfast 4G at no extra cost.
EE is also launching a range of new 4GEE Mobile Broadband plans to offer customers greater choice. A new one month SIM only plan offers 5GB of data for £15.99, with the first month free for customers signing up before 23rd December. Customers wishing to include a 4GEE Dongle or Mobile Wi-Fi device can choose from 30 day plans, or 18 and 24 month plans, starting at £12.99 per month for 1GB.
//explore.ee.co.uk
EE is also launching a range of new 4GEE Mobile Broadband plans to offer customers greater choice. A new one month SIM only plan offers 5GB of data for £15.99, with the first month free for customers signing up before 23rd December. Customers wishing to include a 4GEE Dongle or Mobile Wi-Fi device can choose from 30 day plans, or 18 and 24 month plans, starting at £12.99 per month for 1GB.
//explore.ee.co.uk
2012-11-29
ZTE trials VoLTE call service
Chinese vendor ZTE is trialling a commercial VoLTE call service in Hong Kong.
The trial uses enhanced single radio voice call continuity (eSRVCC), a voice solution that enables higher quality voice calls while the network is upgrading to LTE and provides end-to-end QoS assurance, the company said. //telecoms.com
The trial uses enhanced single radio voice call continuity (eSRVCC), a voice solution that enables higher quality voice calls while the network is upgrading to LTE and provides end-to-end QoS assurance, the company said. //telecoms.com
2012-11-28
Netgear's LTE CPE family
Another vendor with its line-up for your attention - Netgear
CPE
Netgear MBR1515, NA LTE (b13 USA Upper C), cat.3
Netgear MBR1516, b4, 2012.10
Netgear MBR1517, b1, b3, b7, b8, b20, Euro LTE, cat.3
Netgear MVBR1517, b1, b3, b7, b8, b20, Euro LTE, cat.3
Netgear MBR1000 Mobile Broadband Router Product Family, PDF, 2011.01
CPE
Netgear MBR1515, NA LTE (b13 USA Upper C), cat.3
Netgear MBR1516, b4, 2012.10
Netgear MBR1517, b1, b3, b7, b8, b20, Euro LTE, cat.3
Netgear MVBR1517, b1, b3, b7, b8, b20, Euro LTE, cat.3
Netgear MBR1000 Mobile Broadband Router Product Family, PDF, 2011.01
2012-11-26
GSA Status of LTE Ecosystem report: 560 user devices, almost 3 x number of a year ago
Download report via www.gsacom.com
Press release: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_366.php
Recent reports and other additions to the GSA website which may be of interest are available via these links:
* Global LTE network investments (3-slides): deployments, launches: LTE, LTE1800, LTE TDD
* Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report (includes list of 42 commercial LTE1800 operators)
* Status of the Global LTE TDD Market report
* MAP: LTE TDD Investments Worldwide (commercial network launches, deployments, trials, studies)
* Global HSPA+ Network Commitments report: 254 HSPA+ commercial networks launched in 118 countries
* UMTS900 Global Status report: 57 commercially launched UMTS900 networks in 39 countries
* HSPA Operators report: 506 commitments, 482 commercial networks; 102 DC-HSPA+ (42 Mbps) in service
* Operator Viewpoint: Spectrum management for IMT (Telefonica presentation)
* Operator Viewpoint: Are property rights important in spectrum management? (SFR presentation)
* 1000x Challenge - Spectrum Innovations (Qualcomm presentation)
* Operator Viewpoint: Telstra Goes 4G (presentation by Mike Wright, Executive Director, Telstra)
Press release: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_366.php
Recent reports and other additions to the GSA website which may be of interest are available via these links:
* Global LTE network investments (3-slides): deployments, launches: LTE, LTE1800, LTE TDD
* Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report (includes list of 42 commercial LTE1800 operators)
* Status of the Global LTE TDD Market report
* MAP: LTE TDD Investments Worldwide (commercial network launches, deployments, trials, studies)
* Global HSPA+ Network Commitments report: 254 HSPA+ commercial networks launched in 118 countries
* UMTS900 Global Status report: 57 commercially launched UMTS900 networks in 39 countries
* HSPA Operators report: 506 commitments, 482 commercial networks; 102 DC-HSPA+ (42 Mbps) in service
* Operator Viewpoint: Spectrum management for IMT (Telefonica presentation)
* Operator Viewpoint: Are property rights important in spectrum management? (SFR presentation)
* 1000x Challenge - Spectrum Innovations (Qualcomm presentation)
* Operator Viewpoint: Telstra Goes 4G (presentation by Mike Wright, Executive Director, Telstra)
Mobily Launches Region-First LTE Data Roaming
CSL (Hong Kong, China) signed another LTE roaming agreement, that time with the Saudi Arabia operator Mobily (Etihad Etisalat). Interconnection supported by Telstra (Australia). //klektek.com
2012-11-20
Nokia Siemens Networks saw greatest rise in Q3 radio access network market
A report on Q3 mobile radio access network (RAN) sales attributes Nokia Siemens Networks with increased market share and revenue despite an overall declining market. Figures from market intelligence company ABI Research Wireless show Nokia Siemens Networks increased its RAN market share quarter-on-quarter by 4.2 percentage points to 22.4%.
In RAN terms, ABI reported that Nokia Siemens Networks was the only one of the top four vendors to grow its revenue quarter-on-quarter.
In the LTE (4G) RAN market, the company’s market share was reported to have quadrupled, year on year, echoing a recent report from Dell’Oro Group. Nokia Siemens Networks has over 70 commercial deals for LTE.
ABI also reports that Nokia Siemens Networks is placed second in what it categorizes as equipment vendor "Network Infrastructure Related" revenues (combining both RAN & Core elements) with 18.4% share, behind the market leader.
In RAN terms, ABI reported that Nokia Siemens Networks was the only one of the top four vendors to grow its revenue quarter-on-quarter.
In the LTE (4G) RAN market, the company’s market share was reported to have quadrupled, year on year, echoing a recent report from Dell’Oro Group. Nokia Siemens Networks has over 70 commercial deals for LTE.
ABI also reports that Nokia Siemens Networks is placed second in what it categorizes as equipment vendor "Network Infrastructure Related" revenues (combining both RAN & Core elements) with 18.4% share, behind the market leader.
Source: NSN
Samsung Releases Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE Model
Samsung has released its Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE model, but the latest variant of the tablet is currently available in Korea. The tablet is sold through three Korean wireless carriers, with the device itself also offering VoLTE (Voice over LTE). //tomshardware.com
Ericsson - 1st, NSN - 2nd in revenues from RAN LTE during 3q2012
Research firm Dell’Oro Group notes that NSN overtook Alcatel-Lucent in terms of LTE RAN revenues during the quarter. The vendor ended the period with 70 commercial LTE contracts, giving it a 21% share of total revenues – some four times higher than in 3Q11.
Ericsson remained the dominant vendor in the LTE market during 3Q12, while Huawei and Alcatel-Lucent shared third spot with an estimated 15% share apiece. //telecomasia.net
Ericsson remained the dominant vendor in the LTE market during 3Q12, while Huawei and Alcatel-Lucent shared third spot with an estimated 15% share apiece. //telecomasia.net
2012-11-17
NTT DoCoMo readies first dual-mode HSDPA, LTE femtocell for December
Specs
- dual mode 112 Mbps LTE and 14.4 Mbps HSDPA
- 2 GHz
- 18.5 cm x 17.5 cm x 4.5 cm
- 0.7 kg
Operators
- Japan, NTT DoCoMo from Nov.2012. Plans to sell the femtocells to local homeowners.
News
2012-11-16
LTE networks vulnerable to inexpensive jamming technique
Targeting a small portion of the signal with a laptop and a transmitter costing about $650 could knock offline an LTE base station serving thousands of people, according to researchers who raised concerns last week over the technology's planned use in a national public safety broadband network.
"An example strategy would be to target specific control or synchronization signals, in order to increase the geographic range of the jammer and better avoid detection," the Wireless @ Virginia Tech research group said in a filing (PDF) submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
"An example strategy would be to target specific control or synchronization signals, in order to increase the geographic range of the jammer and better avoid detection," the Wireless @ Virginia Tech research group said in a filing (PDF) submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
2012-11-14
GSA confirms 1800 MHz as the most popular LTE band
November 13th, 2012: GSA confirms that 1800 MHz is the most widely used band for 4G/LTE systems deployments worldwide.
GSA calculates that LTE1800 (LTE technology deployed in 1800 MHz spectrum) is serving customers today on over 37% of the 113 commercial LTE networks which had entered service by November 2, 2012 (see Evolution to LTE report dated November 2, 2012).
A total of 42 operators have commercially launched LTE1800 either as a single band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment. Commercial LTE1800 services are available in 29 countries: Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritius, Namibia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Korea, Tajikistan, UAE, and UK.
In most cases the 1800 MHz spectrum has been refarmed from its original use as a 2G/GSM band, as a result of the technology-neutral licensing environments which have developed as regulators in all regions responded to the need for more spectrum for mobile broadband services.
The second most popular band in which LTE systems are deployed is 2.6 GHz, followed by 700 MHz.
Manufacturers have ensured a wide choice of LTE user devices which can operate on the 1800 MHz band, including all the leading brands. A survey of the LTE devices ecosystem which was completed by GSA on November 12, 2012 confirmed that 560 LTE user devices had been announced, of which 130 products (almost 1 in 4) support the 1800 MHz band (LTE1800).
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA said: “Industry momentum behind deployment of LTE in the 1800 MHz band has continually grown over the past year. A robust ecosystem is established to support 1800 MHz as the prime band for LTE deployments worldwide, and will greatly assist international roaming for mobile broadband services.”
Several more operators will launch LTE services in 1800 MHz spectrum in the near future. Since LTE1800 is supported in the most popular smartphone brands, some operators have adjusted deployment strategies, including shifting to 1800 MHz, in order to speed the introduction of LTE services in their markets.
1800 MHz frequency is widely available for mobile services. Licences to deploy services at 1800 MHz have been awarded to an estimated 350 plus operators worldwide, in nearly 150 countries.
1800 MHz = 3GPP band 3 for FDD deployments
(1710 MHz – 1785 MHz paired with 1805 MHz – 1880 MHz)
The Evolution to LTE report is a free download to registered site users – follow the link on www.gsacom.com
Embracing the 1800MHz opportunity: Driving mobile forward with LTE in the 1800MHz band – GSA report, follow the link on www.gsacom.com/lte1800
GSA calculates that LTE1800 (LTE technology deployed in 1800 MHz spectrum) is serving customers today on over 37% of the 113 commercial LTE networks which had entered service by November 2, 2012 (see Evolution to LTE report dated November 2, 2012).
A total of 42 operators have commercially launched LTE1800 either as a single band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment. Commercial LTE1800 services are available in 29 countries: Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritius, Namibia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Korea, Tajikistan, UAE, and UK.
In most cases the 1800 MHz spectrum has been refarmed from its original use as a 2G/GSM band, as a result of the technology-neutral licensing environments which have developed as regulators in all regions responded to the need for more spectrum for mobile broadband services.
The second most popular band in which LTE systems are deployed is 2.6 GHz, followed by 700 MHz.
Manufacturers have ensured a wide choice of LTE user devices which can operate on the 1800 MHz band, including all the leading brands. A survey of the LTE devices ecosystem which was completed by GSA on November 12, 2012 confirmed that 560 LTE user devices had been announced, of which 130 products (almost 1 in 4) support the 1800 MHz band (LTE1800).
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA said: “Industry momentum behind deployment of LTE in the 1800 MHz band has continually grown over the past year. A robust ecosystem is established to support 1800 MHz as the prime band for LTE deployments worldwide, and will greatly assist international roaming for mobile broadband services.”
Several more operators will launch LTE services in 1800 MHz spectrum in the near future. Since LTE1800 is supported in the most popular smartphone brands, some operators have adjusted deployment strategies, including shifting to 1800 MHz, in order to speed the introduction of LTE services in their markets.
1800 MHz frequency is widely available for mobile services. Licences to deploy services at 1800 MHz have been awarded to an estimated 350 plus operators worldwide, in nearly 150 countries.
1800 MHz = 3GPP band 3 for FDD deployments
(1710 MHz – 1785 MHz paired with 1805 MHz – 1880 MHz)
The Evolution to LTE report is a free download to registered site users – follow the link on www.gsacom.com
Embracing the 1800MHz opportunity: Driving mobile forward with LTE in the 1800MHz band – GSA report, follow the link on www.gsacom.com/lte1800
* * *
2012-11-11
Apple Begins Preparing to Ship iPad mini With 4G LTE
Though Apple had initially stated that the 4G LTE model of the 7.9-inch iPad mini iOS tablet would be available a week after the WiFi model went on sale, those who preordered the tablet found that the tablet would be ‘delivered by 11/21,’ a date that is later than what was previously promised by Apple; some preorder customers noted an initial delivery by date of 11/23, however. Now, it looks like Apple is beginning to prepare those tablets according to notification emails being sent to customers who pre-ordered the 4G LTE version. //gottabemobile.com
2012-11-07
Bluegrass Cellular brings LTE to rural Kentucky
Kentucky based Bluegrass Cellular has announced the launch of a 4G LTE network, a development that comes out of its 2010 agreement with Verizon as part of the latter’s Wireless LTE in Rural America program. //telecoms.com
2012-11-06
Rostelecom - Skartel dispute on access to LTE networks to be heard on Dec. 3
The Moscow Commercial Court has set for December 3 the primary hearings in Rostelecom's lawsuit to force Skartel to grant access to LTE networks, the court told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com) on Tuesday. Skartel is part of the Yota brand.
Rostelecom has asked the court to force Skartel to sign a contract on providing access to the technological infrastructure of its communication networks for providing LTE services under MVNO terms.
Rostelecom has asked the court to force Skartel to sign a contract on providing access to the technological infrastructure of its communication networks for providing LTE services under MVNO terms.
EC clears band1 for LTE refarming
Eurocomission has called on all EU member states to make 120 MHz worth of spectrum band1 available for 4G, such as LTE.
The paired terrestrial 2 GHz band (1920-1980 MHz paired with 2110-2170 MHz) has been traditionally used for 3G UMTS networks, but the EC now wants it to be liberalised for 4G services across the region.
The decision means it will be mandatory for EU member states to open the spectrum for 4G services by June 30, 2014. The EC said that it aims to provide harmonised technical conditions to avoid market fragmentation in the future use of the band.
The paired terrestrial 2 GHz band (1920-1980 MHz paired with 2110-2170 MHz) has been traditionally used for 3G UMTS networks, but the EC now wants it to be liberalised for 4G services across the region.
The decision means it will be mandatory for EU member states to open the spectrum for 4G services by June 30, 2014. The EC said that it aims to provide harmonised technical conditions to avoid market fragmentation in the future use of the band.
2012-11-05
List of commercial LTE networks worldwide by Nov.2 2012
113 commercial LTE networks by 2012.11.02, Source: GSA
- Norway, TeliaSonera (NetCom), 2009.12.14
- Sweden, TeliaSonera, 2009.12.14
- Uzbekistan, MTS, 2010.07.28 (out of service as of 2012.09)
- Uzbekistan, UCell, 2010.08.09
- Poland, Aero2 (LTE FDD and TDD), 2010.09.07
- USA, MetroPCS, 2010.09.21
- Austria, A1 Telekom, 2010.11.05
- Sweden, Telenor Sweden, 2010.11.15
- Sweden, Tele2 Sweden, 2010.11.15
- Hong Kong, CSL Limited, 2010.11.25
- Finland, TeliaSonera, 2010.11.30
- Germany, Vodafone, 2010.12.01
- USA, Verizon Wireless, 2010.12.05
- Finland, Elisa, 2010.12.08
- Denmark. TeliaSonera, 2010.12.09
- Estonia, EMT, 2010.12.17
- Japan, NTT DoCoMo, 2010.12.24
- Germany, Deutsche Telekom, 2011.04.05
- Philippines, Smart Communications, 2011.04.16
- Lithuania, Omnitel, 2011.04.28
- Latvia, LMT, 2011.05.31
- Singapore, M1, 2011.06.21
- South Korea, SK Telecom, 2011.07.01
- South Korea, LG U+, 2011.07.01
- Germany, O2, 2011.07.01
- Canada, Rogers Wireless, 2011.07.07
- Austria, T-Mobile, 2011.07.28
- USA, Mosaic Telecom, 2011.07 ??
- Canada, Bell Mobility, 2011.09.14
- Saudi Arabia, Mobily (LTE TDD), 2011.09.14
- Saudi Arabia, STC (LTE TDD), 2011.09.14
- Saudia Arabia, Zain, 2011.09.14
- USA, AT&T Mobility, 2011.09.18
- UAE, Etisalat, 2011.09.25
- Australia, Telstra, 2011.09.27
- Denmark, TDC, 2011.10.10
- Austria, 3, 2011.11.18
- Puerto Rico, AT&T Mobility, 2011.11.20
- Puerto Rico, Claro, 2011.11.24
- Kyrgyzstan, Saima Telecom, 2011.12.09
- Brazil, Sky Brazil (LTE TDD), 2011.12.13
- Finland, DNA, 2011.12.13
- Uruguay, Antel, 2011.12.13
- USA, Cricket, 2011.12.21
- Singapore, SingTel, 2011.12.22
- Kuwait, Viva, 2011.12.27
- Armenia, VivaCell-MTS, 2011.12.28
- Bahrain, Viva Bahrain, 2012.01.01
- Hungary, T Mobile, 2012.01.01
- South Korea, KT, 2012.01.03
- Russia, Yota, 2012.01.15
- Canada, TELUS, 2012.02.10
- USA, Peoples Telephone Co-op, 2012.02.14
- Japan, Softbank Mobile XGP / LTE TDD, 2012.02.24
- Portugal, TMN (Portugal Telecom), 2012.03.12
- Portugal, Vodafone Portugal, 2012.03.12
- Portugal, Optimus, 2012.03.15
- Japan, eAccess, 2012.03.15
- USA, US Cellular, 2012.03.22
- Croatia, T Mobile / T-Hrvatski Telekom, 2012.03.23
- Croatia, VIPNet, 2012.03.22
- USA, Panhandle (PTCI), 2012.03 ??
- Australia, NBN Co. (LTE TDD), 2012.04.02
- India, Bharti Airtel (LTE TDD), 2012.04.10
- Angola, Movicel, 2012.04.14
- Puerto Rico, Open Mobile, 2012.04.19
- Moldova, IDC, 2012.04.21
- Sweden, 3, FDD and TDD, 2012.04.23
- Hong Kong (China), China Mobile HK, 2012.04.25
- Hong Kong (China), PCCW, 2012.04.25
- USA, Cellcom, 2012.04.30
- USA, Pioneer Cellular, 2012.04.30
- Netherlands, Vodafone, 2012.05.01
- Hong Kong (China), Hutchison 3 HK, 2012.05.02
- Netherlands, Ziggo, 2012.05.01
- Netherlands, Tele2, 2012.05.08
- Netherlands, KPN, 2012.05.11
- Netherlands, T-Mobile, 2012.05.11
- Namibia, MTC, 2012.05.16
- USA, BendBroadband, 2012.05.17
- Tanzania, Smile, 2012.05.30
- UAE, Du, 2012.06.12
- Colombia, Une-UPM, 2012.06.14
- Azerbaijan, Azercell, 2012.06.19
- Czech Republic, Telefonica O2, 2012.06.19
- Mauritius, Orange. 2012.06.21
- UK, UK Broadband (LTE TDD), 2012.06.28
- Guam, IT&E, 2012.06.28
- Hungary, Telecom Hungary, 2012.07.05
- Dominican Republica, Orange Dominicana, 2012.07.09
- Slovenia, Si.mobil, 2012.07.12
- USA, Sprint, 2012.07.15
- Oman, Omantel (LTE TDD), 2012.07.16
- Australia, Optus, 2012.07.31
- Mauritius, Emtel, 2012.07. ??
- Slovak Republic, Telefonica O2, 2012.08.02
- Hong Kong (China), Smartone, 2012.08.28
- Russia, MTS (LTE TDD), 2012.09.01
- USA, C Spire Wireless, 2012.09.10
- Singapore, StarHub, 2012.09.19
- Japan, KDDI, 2012.09.21
- Japan, Softbank Mobile, 2012.09.21
- Canada, MTS, 2012.09.25
- Denmark, 3 Denmark, 2012.09.28
- Philipines, Globe, 2012.09.28
- Luxembourg, Tango, 2012.10.01
- Guam, DoCoMo Pacific, 2012.10.04
- Tajikistan, Babilon-Mobile, 2012.10.06
- Norway, Telenor. 2012.10.10
- South Africa, Vodacom, 2012.10.10
- USA, Alaska Communications, 2012.10.12
- Luxembourg, Orange, 2012.10.29
- UK, EE, 2012.10.30
GSA confirms 113 commercial LTE networks are launched; over 500 user devices announced
360 operators are investing in LTE, a figure which is 45% more than a year ago, according to the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) in an update to its Evolution to LTE report released on November 2, 2012.
The report confirms that 113 operators have launched commercial LTE networks in 51 countries.
A further 195 commercial network deployments are in progress. GSA forecasts that 209 networks will be commercially launched in 75 countries by the end of 2013.
A total of 308 operators are firmly committed to deploy commercial LTE networks in 94 countries, including those who have launched services. A further 52 operators in 11 more countries are at a pre-commitment stage, engaged in LTE technology trials, tests or studies, etc. Many of them are expected to also decide to introduce LTE services.
77 operators have launched commercial LTE services in the past 12 months.
Summary of commercial LTE network launches annually:
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, said: “Regulators are responding to the need for more spectrum for mobile broadband services in all regions. Spectrum auctions were completed in recent months in Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Lithuania, Romania, and Russia and further auctions will be held over the next few months. The move towards technology-neutral licensing policy, e.g. refarming of the 1800 MHz band provides a further significant boost to spectrum supply for LTE deployments.”
The benefits from deploying LTE networks in re-farmed spectrum are increasingly recognized by regulators and the industry, emphasizing the flexibility and growing importance of 1800 MHz as a prime band for mobile broadband services delivery. LTE1800 (LTE technology deployed in 1800 MHz spectrum) is launched on 36% of all commercial LTE networks. Forty-one operators have commercially launched LTE1800 either as a single band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment, and commercial LTE1800 services are now available in 29 countries.
Eleven operators have launched commercial service using the LTE TDD mode in unpaired spectrum. The LTE standard was specified by 3GPP with an FDD mode for use in paired spectrum, and a TDD mode being the optimal solution for use in unpaired spectrum. FDD and TDD modes are fully complementary. TDD shares most of the FDD design and standards and uses a common core network, and industry commitment is strong. Some operators have commercially launched LTE service using both FDD and TDD.
According to its related research, GSA also confirms that 521 LTE user devices (including operator and frequency variants) have been announced by 79 manufacturers (November 2, 2012), representing 164% increase compared to the number of products reported by GSA one year ago (197 devices at that time).
The Evolution to LTE report was researched and published by GSA and provides a concise update of the business drivers, objectives and targets for LTE – Long Term Evolution and the evolved packet system, including network operator commitments, deployments, launches, trials, the growing eco-system including device availability, spectrum requirements and developments, Voice over LTE developments, standardization activities including LTE-Advanced, and more. The report is available as a free download to registered site users at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers
A further 195 commercial network deployments are in progress. GSA forecasts that 209 networks will be commercially launched in 75 countries by the end of 2013.
A total of 308 operators are firmly committed to deploy commercial LTE networks in 94 countries, including those who have launched services. A further 52 operators in 11 more countries are at a pre-commitment stage, engaged in LTE technology trials, tests or studies, etc. Many of them are expected to also decide to introduce LTE services.
77 operators have launched commercial LTE services in the past 12 months.
Summary of commercial LTE network launches annually:
- 2009 = 2
- 2010 = 15 (year-end cumulative total = 17)
- 2011 = 30 (year-end cumulative total = 47)
- 2012 to November 2 = 66 (cumulative total to date = 113)
- GSA end 2012 outlook = 166 commercial LTE networks in 70 countries
- GSA end 2013 outlook = 209 commercial LTE networks in 75 countries
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, said: “Regulators are responding to the need for more spectrum for mobile broadband services in all regions. Spectrum auctions were completed in recent months in Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Lithuania, Romania, and Russia and further auctions will be held over the next few months. The move towards technology-neutral licensing policy, e.g. refarming of the 1800 MHz band provides a further significant boost to spectrum supply for LTE deployments.”
The benefits from deploying LTE networks in re-farmed spectrum are increasingly recognized by regulators and the industry, emphasizing the flexibility and growing importance of 1800 MHz as a prime band for mobile broadband services delivery. LTE1800 (LTE technology deployed in 1800 MHz spectrum) is launched on 36% of all commercial LTE networks. Forty-one operators have commercially launched LTE1800 either as a single band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment, and commercial LTE1800 services are now available in 29 countries.
Eleven operators have launched commercial service using the LTE TDD mode in unpaired spectrum. The LTE standard was specified by 3GPP with an FDD mode for use in paired spectrum, and a TDD mode being the optimal solution for use in unpaired spectrum. FDD and TDD modes are fully complementary. TDD shares most of the FDD design and standards and uses a common core network, and industry commitment is strong. Some operators have commercially launched LTE service using both FDD and TDD.
According to its related research, GSA also confirms that 521 LTE user devices (including operator and frequency variants) have been announced by 79 manufacturers (November 2, 2012), representing 164% increase compared to the number of products reported by GSA one year ago (197 devices at that time).
The Evolution to LTE report was researched and published by GSA and provides a concise update of the business drivers, objectives and targets for LTE – Long Term Evolution and the evolved packet system, including network operator commitments, deployments, launches, trials, the growing eco-system including device availability, spectrum requirements and developments, Voice over LTE developments, standardization activities including LTE-Advanced, and more. The report is available as a free download to registered site users at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers
2012-11-02
Ericsson tests LTE on board of a jet plane flying 600km/h
"We tested a high-speed 4G connection using an aircraft flying fast at low altitude.", said Ola Melander, Master Project Manager for R&D at Ericsson. The results showed that the PCs were able to connect to the internet with a maximum downlink speed of 19 megabits per second while flying.The Doppler effect, which limits how fast the user can move in a straight line to or from the LTE radio base station, was successfully tested and internet connectivity was maintained while flying at more than 600km/h in a straight line toward the LTE radio base station. A seamless handover from one radio base station to the next was possible while flying at a speed of 500 km/h, without any visible disturbances to a video stream used to monitor the stability of the internet connection. //equities.com
Motorola Electrify M - new in U.S.Cellular lineup
Looks like Droid RAZR M
Android 4.0 ICS
1.5 GHz dual-core processor
4.3"
8 mpix
1.3 mpix
2.000 mAh
NFC
WiFi
BT
Water-resistant
Operators
- US, U.S. Cellular, 2012.11 from Nov.8, 2012, $99 aftr $100 mail-in rebate.
News
- US, U.S. Cellular, 2012.11 from Nov.8, 2012, $99 aftr $100 mail-in rebate.
News
2012-11-01
Vipnet acquires LTE spectrum in Croatia
The Croatian subsidiary of operator group Telekom Austria, Vipnet, has obtained 20MHz of the country’s 800MHz frequency spectrum for a total of HRK150m ($26m). //telecoms.com
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