Altair selected by Netgear to power its mobile broadband Router Family of LTE Routers

The NETGEAR-Altair Mobile Broadband Routers Will Enable Carriers to Deliver Excellent Broadband User Experience Alongside Toll-Quality Voice over LTE

HOD HASHARON, Israel, January 8, 2013, via LTE-depot — Altair Semiconductor (www.altair-semi.com), the world’s leading developer of ultra-low power, small footprint and high performance 4G LTE chipsets, today announced that its FourGee-3100/6202 chipset has been selected by NETGEAR to power its line of LTE routers. The first product that is being developed under the combined efforts of NETGEAR and Altair is the Mobile Broadband Router (MBR1518), a TD-LTE router designed for home and small-office use that boasts a high performance Wireless LAN, USB attached storage and ruggedized firewall.

Given the enhanced spectral efficiencies, available spectrum, and volume synergies with LTE-FDD; public fixed wireless and mobile operators are migrating from WiMAX to TD-LTE, resulting in rapid growth of TD-LTE networks.The MBR1518 TD-LTE router addresses this emerging market. Simultaneous growth in TD- and FDD-LTE also demands products that enable operators to seamlessly migrate from one technology to another. NETGEAR and Altair are focused on delivering such products.

“By teaming up with Altair to develop high speed mobile routers, we will be delivering, to our service provider customers, highly integrated, feature-rich single mode LTE and Voice over LTE products,” said Michael Clegg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Service Provider Business at NETGEAR.

“We are excited to join forces with NETGEAR, a proven leader in fixed broadband technology, and we look forward to working closely with the NETGEAR team in bringing to market innovative and high-performance LTE products,” said Eran Eshed, Co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing of Altair. “The exclusion of 3G technology in favor of LTE will allow us to significantly reduce the overall cost of the device while maintaining the superior performance and user experience of 4G LTE.”

Trials of the MBR1518 are currently underway and service providers can expect a broad product roll-out in 2013.

Quanta and Gemtek exhibited multi-mode multi-band mobile hot-spot prototypes

The 5th GTI Workshop jointly hosted by China Mobile and Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI) took place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates from October 15th to 16th, 2012.

In particular, the world's first global roaming enabled Multi-Mode Multi-Band mobile hotspot prototypes supporting five modes (LTE TDD/LTE FDD/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA/GSM) and eleven bands (Band 38/39/40/41/3/7/34/1/2/5/8) developed by Quanta and Gemtek were exhibited at the workshop. Later, GTI will perform a testing on the commercialization of the products. 

read more ameinfo.com

ZTE Wins China Mobile TD-LTE Contract

ZTE has won China Mobile’s TD- LTE contract to construct operator’s TD-LTE network in five Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shenyang, with more than 13,000 carrier frequencies.

China Mobile launched the TD-LTE bidding in August 2012. The tender included contracts for some 20,000 base stations and 52,000 carrier sectors.

//lteworld.org 

Huawei Completes LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA Interoperability Testing

Huawei announced that it has completed LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA multi-mode interoperability testing. Huawei’s interoperability tests were completed using Qualcomm Incorporated’s MDM9615™ modem allowing for interoperability to occur between TD-SCDMA and LTE TDD.  This interoperability will aid China Mobile in accelerating its network evolution to LTE TDD. //4g-portal.com 

GSA confirms 105 commercial LTE networks are launched

October 1, 2012: 351 operators are investing in LTE, a figure which is 41% more than a year ago, according to the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) in an update to its Evolution to LTE report which is released today.

The report confirms that 105 operators have launched commercial LTE networks in 48 countries. (AB: See list of deployments at LTE-depot)

A further 194 network deployments are in progress. GSA forecasts that 159 networks will be commercially launched in 68 countries by the end of 2012, which is expected to rise to 195 live networks in 72 countries by the end of the following year. 

A total of 299 operators are firmly committed to deploy commercial LTE networks in 93 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.

Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, said: “LTE is providing unprecedented performance and efficiency levels for operators in both developing and mature markets, and raising the mobile broadband experience for millions of consumers and enterprise users worldwide. Businesses in the sectors beyond traditional telecoms are giving a lot of attention to how LTE can help their customers and operations.“

70 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 October 1 = 58 (cumulative total to date = 105)
• GSA end 2012 outlook = 159 commercial LTE networks in 68 countries
• GSA end 2013 outlook = 195 commercial LTE networks in 72 countries

GSA re-affirms LTE as the fastest developing mobile system technology ever which is entering a new phase as a mainstream technology by end of 2012. 

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 in 1800 MHz spectrum) is launched on more than a third of all commercial LTE networks. Thirty-eight operators have commercially launched LTE1800 either as a single band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment. Commercial LTE1800 services are now available in 26 countries: Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritius, Namibia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Korea, and UAE.

Eleven operators have launched commercial service using the LTE TDD mode in unpaired spectrum, with at least another 16 commercial network deployments in progress.

Clearwire to start major TDD-LTE network construction in Q4

Sprint is Clearwire's largest wholesale customer and shareholder and plans to use Clearwire's TDD-LTE network to augment its own FDD-LTE service. //fiercewireless.com

Clearwire has selected some of its TD-LTE vendors and expects to announce them in October. Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent are supplying AT&T and Verizon's respective LTE networks and are suppliers for Sprint, which is also buying infrastructure equipment from Samsung. 

MTS, Nokia Siemens Networks launch Russia’s first #TD-LTE #4G network

Press-release, via LTE-depot. 

Liquid Net elements to help provide 4G services for 96% of Moscow territory by end of 2012

 

Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has launched ultra-fast 4G mobile broadband services with speeds of up to 100 Mbps (megabits per second) in most of Moscow and 40 population centers in Moscow regions. Nokia Siemens Networks is the sole vendor for the launch, providing a complete Time Division Duplex Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE)* network and a range of comprehensive services. As part of the network, the company has provided its Single Radio Access Network (RAN) and Liquid Core based Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

 

“The launch of LTE services by MTS, on a par with leading LTE services around the world, reaffirms Russia's place among most technologically advanced economies. Our LTE network's high data throughput and superior reliability enable our customers to benefit from high quality multimedia applications with faster network access,” said Konstantin Markov, head of MTS macro-region, Moscow. "MTS is expanding mobile broadband services in Moscow, contributing to the region's development. Joint efforts by MTS and Nokia Siemens Networks, our long-standing partner, are focused on achieving LTE coverage in 96% of Moscow by the end of 2012. We also plan to double the coverage in Moscow provinces from the current level of coverage in 40 towns.”

 

“This TD-LTE network rollout, one of the largest TD-LTE networks in the world, is yet another example of our commitment to promote 4G technology globally,” said Vladimir Ulianov, head of MTS customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “To significantly enhance the mobile broadband experience for MTS customers, we applied our expertise in TD-LTE technology and strong services capabilities. Our radio and core network elements have built a reliable and flexible network to fulfill current and future data traffic demands driven by the drastically increasing use of smartphones.”

 

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks has provided its Single RAN platform, based on its compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station for the TD-LTE network. The company has migrated MTS’ complete network from WiMAX, deploying 2,200 advanced, multi-technology base stations from its mobile broadband offering. Nokia Siemens Networks has also provided its Liquid Core** basedEvolved Packet Core (EPC) platform, including Flexi Network Server (NS) and Flexi Network Gateway (NG).

 

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks has provided its NetAct network management system to provide consolidated configuration, monitoring and network optimization. In addition, the company has provided its New Technology Home Location Register (NT-HLR)*** and Home Subscriber Server (HSS)****.

 

Nokia Siemens Networks has ensured a smooth rollout of the 4G network by providing network planning and optimization services for 4G and 2G/3G quality assurance, full turnkey solutions including site acquisition, project management, customer logistics, construction works and network implementation. Nokia Siemens Networks has also provided an end-to-end security solution for Packet Core and LTE Transport, including firewalls, a Certificate Authority and security gateways.

 

For more information on Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile broadband capabilities, including a video overview, follow this link. To share your thoughts on the topic, join the discussion on Twitter using #mobilebroadband.

Megafon is close to announce commercial TD-LTE network in Moscow

MegaFon is at the end of the process of development LTE TDD network in Moscow. Regulator (Roscomnadzor) already issued its permission. We can expect start of services Sep.1, 2012.
There are "few hundreds of TD LTE base stations installed" in the Megafon network in Moscow, as company representative told me. Company will use band 38 (2.5-2.6 GHz).

New network will be good addition to the existing Scartel's LTE FDD network, which is in the same holding with Megafon. That means, that subscribers to Megafon MVNO service will be able to get better coverage and service. The dongle Huawei E398 (RUR1990), which is the only LTE modem for the Megafon LTE customers at the moment is able to support both FDD and TDD networks and 3G/2G as well. Tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE which is second of two Megafon's LTE user devices does not support TD-LTE.

In February 2012, Megafon entered into a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreement with Scartel LLC, a related party of the Company since July 2012, which operates under the Yota brand. for the joint development and provision of 4G/LTE services in Russia.

The MVNO agreement enables the Company to provide 4G/LTE services to its customers using the network of Scartel and enables Scartel to use network infrastructure of MegaFon to provide voice services to its customers.

In March and April 2012, the Company prepaid Scartel an aggregate amount of $50 million (1,641 at the exchange rate as of June 30,2012) for the provision of future interconnection servives under MVNO agreement. The amount of the advance was included in prepaid expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as at June 30, 2012.

(Yota is the trade mark of Scartel).

ZTE Unveils World First Multi-Mode TDD/FDD LTE Terminal Products

Strengthening ZTE’s leadership in end-to-end terminal solutions

16th August 2012, Hong Kong – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and mobile devices, announced today the introduction of MF820S2 and MF91S, the world’s first multi-standard USB modem and uFi which supports LTE FDD/LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA / EDGE. ZTE’s multi-mode wireless devices represent the next chapter in LTE terminal product development, breaking down regional standard barriers and constraints at user end points.

ZTE's aggressive innovation spans the entire range of LTE terminal products, including high end smart phones, tablets, uFis and modems. The new MF820S2 and MF91S follow an outstanding lineage of new terminal solutions such as the global introduction of China’s first LTE tablet, the V96A; ZTE’s first single-chip LTE smartphone, the Grand X LTE (T82); the MF91 uFi and the MF821 modem.

As the first Chinese LTE tablet in the global market, the V96A is testament of the company’s commitment to design and innovation – combining looks and advanced functionalities – as an-all-in-one entertainment device. The Grand X LTE (T82) is part of the ZTE’s Grand series, the company’s high-end flagship smartphone offering. The smartphone features top of the range specifications and a unique buttonless design resembling a mini tablet PC.

 “This is a transformational year for ZTE’s terminal business. We are catalyzing LTE development on the global stage through heralding new innovations in the LTE terminal market. The new MF820S2 and MF91S are clear demonstrations of ZTE’s leadership in LTE,” said ZTE EVP and Head of the Terminal Division, Mr. He Shiyou. “Through continued investment in R&D, we hope to deliver even more cutting edge products for ZTE’s end-to-end terminal suite.

Through its 18 state-of-the-art R&D centers around the world, ZTE has accumulated much experience in the field of wireless technology. In 2011, the company invested USD 1.33 billion (RMB 8,492.6 million) in R&D, a 19.7 per cent increase from USD 1.11 billion (RMB 7,092.0 million) in 2010. The company now holds seven per cent of all global LTE patents among vendors.

“ZTE continues to forge the development of the global telecommunications industry through pioneering technological breakthroughs. With the industry’s most comprehensive product range and solutions, covering virtually every telecommunications sector, ZTE is focused on winning through innovation and continued investment in R&D,” added Mr. He.

ZTE’s new LTE terminal suite

The MF820S2 is the world’s first LTE FDD/LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA/EDGE multi-standard data card. It features LTE TDD 68M DL speed, LTE FDD 100M DL speed, USB Rotator (270 degrees rotation), and internal antenna. It is compatible with major operators and network systems around the world. With customized networks at different locations, it provides flexibility for travelers.

Another global first multi-mode device in the line-up is the MF91S portable uFi, supporting LTE FDD/LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA/EDGE standards. Weighing only 105g and running on Li-ion 2300mAh, the mini pocket uFi is the most suitable companion for PC laptops, Macbooks or multi-device users on-the-go.

The V96A features a dual-core 1.5-GHz processor, 10-inch high definition capacity screen and dual cameras (5.0-mega pixel rear camera and 2.0-mega pixel front camera). The gadget supports 1080p HD video and Dolby Mobile 3.0 sound system, providing an unrivalled visual and audio entertainment experience anytime, anyplace. It also comes with an accelerometer of G-sensor, eCompass and Gyrosensor, which makes it a great mobile device for gaming on-the-go.

The Grand X LTE (T82) uses a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and operates on the Android 4.0 platform. Features include an 8 mega-pixel main camera that supports 1080p HD video shooting and playback and a front camera that supports 720p HD video calls with a 4.3 inch screen in the quality of QHD resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. This next-generation phone provides an unprecedented experience for video chats and teleconferencing. It also equipped with Li-ion 1900mAh battery, a proximity sensor and a digital compass.

The LTE DL/UL 100/50Mbps MF91 uFi has a Micro USB port and SIM socket. It is compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac iOS. It has an internal antenna and two external antenna slots.

The LTE FDD/3G dual-mode wireless home gateway MF 28D supports a PSTN connection and has USB storage share, DLNA, an internal antenna and a compatible external antenna.

The LTE 1800(B3)/2100(B1)/2600(B7) MHz MF 821 provides superior user experience in a small package. It has a micro SD with a capacity of up to 32GB; it is compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac iOS and has two external antenna slots.

\\zte.com.cn

New GSA report: Status of the Global LTE TDD Market

This new report incorporates data and analysis from GSA's Evolution to LTE report (published July 11, 2012) and Status of the LTE Ecosystem report (published July 3, 2012) and summarizes LTE TDD operator commitments, trials, studies, network deployments, commercial launches, and spectrum developments worldwide, and LTE TDD user devices availability. Available for www.gsacom.com registered site users to download.

The largest contiguous bands are at 2.3 GHz (100 MHz, band 40) and within the 2.6 GHz (band 38). China also has band 39 (1880-1920 MHz). LTE TDD system is being deployed using 2496-2690 MHz (band 41) in USA. UK Broadband is deploying its LTE TDD system in 124 MHz of spectrum in 3.4-3.6 GHz (band 42).

9 commercial LTE TDD systems are launched (by July 11)
38 LTE TDD network deployments, trials, studies activities worldvide.
68 user devices can operate in the LTE TDD mode
- 2300 MHz band 40 - 53 devices
- 2600 MHz band 38 - 59 devices
- 2600 MHz band 41 - 5 devices
19 FDD 800/1800/2600 FDD LTE devices also support LTE TDD band 38 (2.6 GHz)

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

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.

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.

China Mobile and Clearwire signed for TD-LTE international roaming

China  Mobile and Clearwire signed MoU "that lays the foundation for international roaming between China and the US using TD-LTE" /marketwatch.com 

This agreement can serve as a blueprint for future roaming agreements with other members of the Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI).

China Mobile already demonstrated the roaming capability between China Mobile Hong Kong's FDD LTE and China Mobile's TD-LTE pilot network in Hang Zhou.

China Mobile still has no license from the China's regulator. Clearwire is constracting LTE network in USA.

LTE TDD band 38 test results, 10 MHz, in Moscow

MTS and Megafon soon be on air in Moscow (Russia) with their LTE TDD networks (August-September 2012), 10 MHz band 38 utilization. Accuver XCAL test and NetPerSec shows around 60 Mbit/s downlink. RAN from NSN. 

cllick to enlarge

Coming soon... \ru_4G.livejournal.com