ZTE Launches the World’s Smallest 4G LTE Datacard

Supports LTE-FDD DL/UL 100/50Mbps, UMTS-HSPA+: DL/UL 42/5.76Mbps and GPRS/GSM downward compatibility.

29 November 2012, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, has announced the launch of the ZTE MF823, the world’s smallest 4G LTE datacard.

With driver-free capabilities, the MF823 offers consumers fast and easy internet connectivity. It uses Qualcomm’s second generation LTE chip platform and is only 13mm thick, nearly a third of the size of the first generation LTEdatacard, making it the world's smallest LTE datacard.

The MF823 has a web UI operation, supports IPV6 and is compatible with Win8/XP/Mac and all major operating systems. It supports LTE-FDD DL/UL 100/50Mbps, UMTS-HSPA+: DL/UL 42/5.76Mbps and GPRS/GSM downward compatibility allowing consumers to enjoy high speed internet access wherever they are without the need for a fixed line internet connect or public WiFi hotspot.

The average power consumption of the MF823 has also been greatly reduced compared to the consumption of the first generation LTE datacard; it uses a third less power. It has improved radiating properties and with the lowest working temperature in the industry it will not feel hot even after long time use.

The MF823 has been optimised in terms of high bandwidth, low delay and high communication rate (to reduce the dropping rate of data and voice communication), to ensure that users can enjoy a new generation of mobile high bandwidth internet access.

The ZTE MF823 has already been launched in Kazakhstan and will launch soon in Europe and Asia-Pacific countries.
Since 2008 ZTE has focused R&D and investment on LTE terminal products and has already obtained a number of LTE terminal core technology patents. Earlier this year ZTE launched the world’s first multi-standard USB modem, the MF820S2, and uFi, the MF91S. ZTE was also the first China mainland vendor to launch a 4G LTE smartphone, the Grand X LTE (T82). At present ZTE has seven percent of 4G LTE basic patents among global telecommunications vendors.

\\zte.com.cn

Nvidia pushes 4G LTE compatible Tegra processors, puts pressure on Qualcomm

While this Icera LTE modem is a separate component, Nvidia has new processors -- codenamed "Wayne" -- in the pipeline for next year that will have integrated Icera 410 LTE modems. Integration of the modem with the processor will simplify manufacturer's production lines, keeping costs down.

And Nvidia isn't planning to stand still either, with plans to integrate the more advanced Icera 500 LTE modem into future mobile processors.

//zdnet.com 

Qualcomm is dominating LTE chips market, but Intel plan to strike back?

Intel will be able to put an unlimited number of bands on a single LTE modem, possible as soon as late next year. Apple used Intel's modems up until 2010, when it switched over to Qualcomm in part to get Verizon and Sprint LTE compatibility. There is Qualcomm MDM9615 modem is in the Apple iPhone 5. 

Modems are only half of the solution, though. Dermot O'Shea, co-founder of antenna firm Taoglas, said antenna design gets difficult when you're covering such a wide range of frequencies. Active antennas for smartphones, which have just started to hit the market this year, can adapt to different bands without being huge, although they add to the cost and complexity of smartphones. We're likely to see more of them next year.
//pcmag.com

MTS (Russia) announces the launch of sales LTE-modem kits

OJSC "Mobile TeleSystems» (NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications operator in Russia and the CIS, announces the launch of sales kits "MTS Connect" with support for high-speed Mobile Internet 4G (LTE, Long Term Evolution) in the salons of the retail network in Moscow and Moscow region.

With SIM-card included with the tariff plan "MTS Connect-4", users are provided with the nlimited access to the Internet during August and September 2012. The price set "MTS Connect" is 2970 rubles . On August 7, 2012 MTS 4G modem can be used in 2G and 3G networks, but with the launch of the  MTS LTE network in Moscow planned September 1, 2012 - in the LTE network.

The director of MTS in the Moscow region, Konstantin Markov promises up to 70 Mbit/s availability with that modem.  - "We also plan to provide broad coverage of high-speed data networks - they will cover almost the entire territory of Moscow, near the city suburbs and their surroundings".

Subscribers of the service "Comstar WiMAX» will be able to go online based at special terms. WiMAX subscribers of MTS will get free Internet access for four months - from August 7 to November 30, 2012, the modem will be paid by users separately. Customers who subscribed to the "NL for one ruble" tariff plan  from April 2012, can obtain a free set "MTS Conntect" with unlimited free access during the period from August 7 to September 30, 2012.

Characteristics of 4G modem MTS

USB-modem Huawei-E392 supports data rates of 42 Mbit/s DL in 3G (HSPA+, Evolved High-Speed ​​Packet Access) network and up to 70 Mbit/s in 4G (LTE, Long Term Evolution) network. The modem operates in networks of GPRS / EDGE, UMTS / HSPA / HSPA +, FD-LTE and TD-LTE.

System requirements:
- Windows XP SP2/SP3, Windows Vista SP1/SP2, Windows 7;
- Mac OS X 10.5,10.6 and 10.7 with the latest updates.

Megafon is preparing it's 2nd 4G/3G LTE modem

It looks like Quanta Device, but there is no data, if it is based on GCT Semiconducter GDM7240 or chipset from other vendor.

Modem is able to support both 3G/HSPA+ and 4G/LTE networks, as for the company's representative.

Megafon at the moment provides LTE acting as MVNO using Yota's RAN in 7 markets in Russia.

Price and time to market is not announced yet.