Vodafone Australia speeds up: changes - plan LTE 1800

Vodafone speeds up: changes

• A network capable of the fastest 4G speeds in 5 capital city areas of Australia
• 2,000 additional sites this year enhancing coverage 
• On-shoring customer contact against industry trends 
• Direct action against bill shock

Monday, 8 April, 2013, рress-release, via LTE-Depot. In the latest move toward earning back customers’ trust, Vodafone CEO, Bill

Morrow, today outlined further network improvements and, thanks to an industry-leading spectrum
position, announced the pending arrival of what will potentially be Australia’s fastest 4G network
across 5 capital cities.

Vodafone customers will be invited to join the company’s 4G network from June, with speeds capable
of exceeding what’s already on offer to Australian mobile consumers.

Outlining a staged roll-out to major metropolitan centres of Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, Wollongong, Newcastle and the Gold Coast, the new 4G service builds on the 3G and 3G+ network upgrades that have occurred over the past two years, showing speeds in test conditions of
downloads and streaming up to 15 times the average speed of the Vodafone 3G network of 1Mbps.

Morrow said customer feedback regarding a 4G service underpinned by a strong 3G service has guided Vodafone’s network build. “Our customers have said they want faster speeds, more coverage, and a dependable network,” he said.

“Our 3G+ and 4G technology provides them with the speed, and we will be adding nearly 2,000 additional sites this year to improve coverage for our customers where they need it most.

“We’ve picked up the pace and are sprinting to meet the current and future needs of our customers.

We are proud to be able to deliver our customers Australia’s fastest 4G network in metro areas backed by a solid 3G+ experience,” said Morrow.

Morrow detailed the raft of changes Vodafone has made to its business and its consumer offering in the past two years, articulating a vision for the future that is designed to win the hearts and minds of Australian mobile consumers.

==

Source: http://www.vodafone.com.au/doc/VodafoneSpeedsUpChanges.pdf
More about Vodafone Australia: https://sites.google.com/site/ltedepot/home/country/australia/vodafone-4g

EE would be doubling speeds of its 1800MHz

How is this possible? At the launch CEO Olaf Swantee explained that it was doubling the bandwidth it would be using from 2x 10MHz to 2x 20MHz.

Read more: http://lteconference.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/double-trouble-how-ee-is-able-to-double-its-speeds-and-why-it-isnt-entirely-good-news/ 

EE in LTE Depot data base: https://sites.google.com/site/ltedepot/home/country/uk/everything-everywhere 

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 

* * *

List of LTE1800 commercial systems  

LTE1800 now used in 33% of commercial networks

September 11, 2012: GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) has published an update to its Evolution to LTE report which confirms 347 telecoms operators in 104 countries are committed to commercial LTE network deployments or are engaged in trials, technology testing or studies. The report covers LTE FDD and LTE TDD technologies.

292 operators have made firm commitments to deploy commercial LTE networks in 93 countries. The number of operators committed to LTE network deployments has increased by 23% in the past year. A further 55 operators in 11 more countries are in a pre-commitment stage, engaged for example in LTE technology trials, tests or studies.

96 operators have launched commercial LTE services in 46 countries. This figure includes 11 commercial LTE TDD systems which are launched in Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the UK.

68 operators have launched commercial LTE services in the past 12 mon ths.

GSA forecasts there will be 152 commercial LTE networks operating in 65 countries by December 31, 2012.

LTE commercial network launches per year:

2009 = 2 networks launched
2010 = 15 networks launched (year-end cumulative total = 17)
2011 = 30 networks launched (year-end cumulative total = 47)
2012 to September 11th = 49 networks launched (total to date = 96)

GSA end 2012 outlook = raised again, to 152 networks in 65 countries

GSA re-affirms LTE as the fastest developing mobile system technology ever.

Deployments of LTE in re-farmed spectrum continue to accelerate, emphasizing the flexibility and growing importance of 1800 MHz as a prime band for mobile broadband services delivery. LTE1800 (LTE in 1800 MHz spectrum) is now launched on one third of all commercial LTE networks. Thirty-two operators, compared to five one year ago, have commercially launched LTE1800 either as a single band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment strategy. Commercial LTE1800 services are now available in 24 countries: Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czech Repulic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritius, Namibia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, and UAE. (My list of LTE1800 operators see here). 

The report also includes for the first time a status update of operator commitments to HD voice enabled by VoLTE and W-AMR codec technology, confirming numerous deployments and commercial launches.

UK welcomes new LTE brand; now rivals must step up

Initial list of UE's for 1800 MHz for Everything Everywhere looks that way:

smartphones

HTC One XL, exp. 2012.09-10

Huawei Ascend P1, 2012

Nokia Lumia 820, exp befor 2012 end
Nokia Lumia 920, exp from 2012.11
Samsung’s Galaxy S3, 2012

dongles

Huawei E392, 2012.09, f.e.UK, EE

MiFi

Huawei E589 mobile Wi-Fi, 2012.09

//telecoms.com

Everything Everywhere (UK) to get Nokia Lumia 920 in Nov.2012

Most interesting is the rumor that EE can get the Nokia's new smartphone on exclusivity base. Probably Nokia will use that marketing model in other countries as well.

Still it is not confirmed if Nokia Lumia 920 can operate in LTE1800 band, I mean if it is the same Lumia 920 which is dedicated to AT&T and supporting 700 / AWS bands.

We will know it not later then in Nov.2012 anyway.

\\slashgear.com

Smart LTE now on dual bands

SMART Communications, Inc. has made its LTE service dual-frequency by deploying its 1800 megahertz (MHz) band during the Asian Carriers’ Conference (ACC). //SunStar.com

SmarTone (HongKong) launch LTE1800

Vendor of the LTE1800 solution is Ericsson. All SmarTone 3G HSPA+ price plans will now be 4G enabled. A new range of volume-based price plans has also been introduced.
4G is available as of today to selected customers by invitation. It will be generally available to customers on September 11th. \\cellular-news.com

3 UK to launch LTE in 2013 based on Samsung's solution

3 UK has confirmed it will commercially launch LTE next year, signing up Samsung to help build-out the new network. As part of the deal with Samsung, the South Korean vendor will deploy LTE base stations and core, “including all associated systems and network support services,” across 3's nationwide network. The solution will be tested by the pair this year and will move to “full deployment and commercialisation” in 2013. Everything Everywhere then agreed to sell two chunks (2x15MHz) of 1800MHz spectrum to 3, which 3 said would more than double the capacity on its network.  \\mobilebusinessbriefing.com

UK will get 4G/LTE on dongles?

Everything Everywhere got permission to re-farm its 1800 MHz for LTE network. Kester Mann, senior analyst at CCS Insight, said that he believes it is unlikely that smartphones capable of offering LTE for the 1800 MHz spectrum will be available in 2012. More likely to wait them in 2013. Until that time it would be only LTE dongles available. That significally reduces the potential target market. \\telecoms.com

CSL - only 7K LTE connections in 1 year

CSL Hong Kong using LTE 1800 (2x20 МГц) and LTE 2600 MHz launching at the end of 2010. LTE 1800 is mainstream for the company. Vendor iz ZTE with its dualband solution. Traffic growing by a factor of three year on year.

Christian Daigneault, chief technology officer, CSL:

“In Europe there is not enough competition. Here in Hong Kong there are five operators in a small market and the competition forces us not to stop. Customers are very demanding, so as soon as one operator [makes a move] then everybody else has to follow.”

Recent visits to Western Europe revealed the disparity in network performance, he says. “In the UK and France I was on EDGE very often, and you don’t see that in Hong Kong. We are now in a different league. We’re on 4G and already thinking about dual band and LTE Advanced, so the lag in Europe is becoming pretty large. It seems to me that, in some countries because of the economic situation, there are sort of agreements between operators not to deploy. And if nobody does it then there’s no pressure to deploy LTE.”

An important benefit of LTE 1800 for CSL, says Daigneault, is that it will be deployed more widely across the globe than 2600, opening up a better device ecosystem and improved opportunities for international roaming.

CSL and SK Telecom (S.Korea) already in LTE 1800 roaming agreement.

Only 7970 LTE subs as at June 2012

\\telecoms.com

3UK to buy LTE1800 spectrum from EE (UK)

Following the decision announced today by UK regulator Ofcom to allow Everything Everywhere (EE) to offer LTE services in its existing 1800 MHz spectrum rom September 11, 2012, EE has revealed plans to sell part of its 1800MHz spectrum to 3UK. The sale is in line with the European Commission’s competitive assessment of the merger of Orange and T-Mobile in the UK in March 2010, which required EE to divest 2x15 MHz of its 1800 MHz spectrum. //telecoms.com

Everything Everywhere now can refarm 1800 MHz for LTE

Ofcom approved an application made by Everything Everywhere to refarm its existing spectrum in the 1800 MHz band for 4G / LTE. Ofcom noted that varying EE's existing 1800 MHz concession would deliver "significant benefits to consumers". More of it, the regulator noting "no material risk that those benefits will be outweighted by a distortion of competition". Ofcom has confirmed that it has now issued varied licences to EE which authorise the operator to inaugurate LTE services from 11 September 2012. \\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 Perth. In 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

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

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

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.

Download .pdf > 

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.

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.

LTE 1800 hotspot goes for Telstra's prepaid subs

source

Type: mobile Wi-Fi router
Price: AU$169 (5GB traffic included for 30 days)
Speed: up to 40 Mbit/s in LTE locations (up to 10 Mbit/s uplink) or DC-HSPA+ 3G
Connections: up to 5 devices via Wi-Fi
Weight: lesser then 100 g
Battery: up to 4 hours active / ~100 hours standby

Tariff: it is possible to use with iPad plan (AU$20 for 1 GB)

\ZDNet.com \itwire.com