MobilenniuM Express
3G Industry news from the UMTS Forum
13 February 2009

From HSPA to LTE… and beyond
New UMTS Forum White Paper explores mobile broadband evolutionary roadmap. A white paper from The UMTS Forum charts the technical and commercial path towards a new generation of high-speed mobile broadband systems.

Texas Instrument's 1.2 GHz DSP and Optimized Software Library Allows OEMs to Extend Current Platforms Quickly and Easily
US semiconductor supplier Texas Instruments has unveiled a powerful, scalable LTE platform that allows infrastructure vendors to meet carrier requirements to support data-intensive, next-generation mobile applications in a cost-effective way. According to market research company iSuppli, the cumulative LTE infrastructure investments from more than 18 carriers around the world will total US$8.5 billion by 2012.

Hutchison and Vodafone Agree to Merge Australian Telecom Operations to Form a 50:50 Joint Venture
Hutchison 3G Australia has entered into an agreement with Vodafone Australia to combine their respective Australian operations. The merged group, which will be renamed as VHA, will offer services under the Vodafone brand name and will retain exclusive rights to use the 3 brand in Australia. The merged entity will have six million customers and combined revenues of about A$4 billion (US$2.6 billion). On completion of additional network roll outs, VHA will expand its 3G coverage to 95% of the Australian population.

Telefónica’s 3G Network Expansion in Spain Gets a ‘Green’ Light
Spanish telecoms group Telefónica has carried out a 3G network upgrade implemented by Finland’s Nokia Siemens Networks, extending its service reach by more than 25% in dense urban areas. Using Nokia Siemens Networks’ Flexi Base Station, which is the industry’s smallest and most energy efficient base station, the upgrade will also improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact of Telefónica’s 3G network.

Ericsson Launches Industry's Most Sophisticated Core Network for LTE and Next-Generation Broadband
Ericsson has unveiled its Evolved Packet Core (SAE/EPC) portfolio, which will support mobile operators in a smooth transition path to LTE network rollouts. Ericsson has introduced new functionality to its existing core products through simple software upgrades that enable operators to minimise capital expenditure.

Sierra Wireless Introduces First USB Modems for HSPA+ Mobile Broadband Networks
Sierra Wireless has launched what is claimed to be the world’s first USB modem for HSPA+ mobile broadband. The USB 306 and USB 307 give users access to mobile broadband networks capable of the fastest available peak download rates of up to 21 Mbps. The modems are expected to ship in the first half of 2009. Sierra Wireless supplies HSPA+ broadband wireless modems to Australia’s Telstra, which commercially launched the world’s fastest 3G network based on HSPA+ at the end of last year.