MobilenniuM Express
3G Industry news from the UMTS Forum
26 May 2009

Alcatel-Lucent Delivers First IP-based Mobile Next Generation Network (NGN) to India’s MTNL
India’s state-owned telecoms group Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) has commercially launched its first IP-based mobile next-generation network (NGN) in Mumbai in cooperation with French vendor Alcatel-Lucent. Alcatel-Lucent’s 3G- and IMS-ready NGN solution will enables MTNL, which provides telecom services in the Mumbai and Delhi service areas, to optimize and simplify its mobile network, while advancing the commercialization of 3G and IMS-based mobile services.

Motorola's LTE Advanced Self-Organizing Network (SON) Helps Operators Deploy LTE More Cost Effectively
Motorola has announced the launch of its LTE (Long Term Evolution) advanced self-organising network (SON) solution, designed to help operators reduce operational expenses in the rollout of LTE networks. Its advanced SON solution is a feature of Motorola’s LTE network offering that includes its recently-announced WBR 500 eNodeB. Motorola self-configuring, self-operating, and self-optimizing LTE infrastructure will help operators reap on-going operations and maintenance savings.

AT&T to Expand its Mini Laptop Lineup and Offer Nationwide Availability
US operator AT&T has announced plans to expand its portfolio of embedded lightweight 3G mini laptops, which will be aimed at the youth market, adults and small business owners. The expanded embedded device lineup will include Acer, Dell and Lenovo mini laptops, which will be available in AT&T stores nationwide, as well as online, this summer.

DNA’s 3G Services Available in Over 250 Municipalities
Finnish operator DNA has recently expanded its 3G network to 20 new municipalities, using 900 MHz network technology, which is suitable for sparsely populated areas. Its 3G services are currently available in over 250 municipalities, covering 4.2 million Finns. The operator offers one dual-band (900 and 2100 MHz) device, the DNA Mokkula E169 USB modem. DNA plans to construct 1,100 base stations this year.

HTC Unveils First Traditional Chinese-language Android-Powered Device HTC Magic
Following the last week’s launch of HTC’s second Andriod-based handset, the Taiwan-based smartphone maker has unveiled the HTC Magic in a traditional Chinese-language version. For the launch of the HSDPA-enabled device, the vendor has partnered with Hong Kong’s mobile operator SmarTone–Vodafone, as well as Hong Kong distributor SiS International Limited. The handset is the world’s first traditional Chinese-language Android-powered mobile phone.

NTT DOCOMO Unveils 18 New Handsets – Rich Lineup Closely Attuned with Today's Mobile Users
Japan’s leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo has revealed a line-up of 18 new 3G handsets, which the company will launch on or after 22 May, depending on model. Capable with its WCDMA/HSDPA 3G network, the new handsets will be marketed as part of the operator’s four main series of FOMA 3G handsets: docomo STYLE series, docomo PRIME series, docomo SMART series and docomo PRO series. The highlight is NEC’s N-06A smartphone, which will be the operator’s first HSDPA-enabled handset that is also capable of a WiFi access.

T-Mobile UK Tops YouGov Mobile Broadband Survey Two Quarters in Row
T-Mobile UK has been rated #1 in an independent YouGov survey of 2,083 mobile broadband users. The survey titled “Dongle Tracker” has revealed that T-Mobile’s Mobile Broadband network coverage is most highly rated by consumers, highlighting the operator’s commitment to the coverage expansion of its HSDPA-enabled 3G network. The operator has also scored top rates in customer service, billing and installation. YouGov’s mobile broadband reports are based on the largest independent sample of mobile broadband users to be surveyed in the UK.

Zain Successfully Trials HSPA+ in a Live 3G Network in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Zain has conducted trials of the HSPA+ technology in cooperation with Sweden’s Nokia Siemens Networks. Supported by Nokia Siemens Networks’ Internet-HSPA (I-HSPA) software upgrade within Zain's existing radio access network, the test has resulted in significantly improved data throughput speeds and shorter network latency rates, enabling quicker response times and enhancing the overall user experience availability of data services. The move paves the way for an all-IP flat architecture network, which will enabled the operator to swiftly move to LTE.

SmarTone-Vodafone Moves into the Home, Offering the New Home Broadband and Phone Service
Hong Kong operator SmarTone-Vodafone has launched a new fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) offering, branded Home Broadband and Phone Service. The integrated broadband and telephone service is delivered on the operator’s HSPA network, and costs only HKD148 per month. The wireless gateway provides broadband speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps in the downlink and 2 Mbps in the uplink. Every wireless gateway is pre-allocated with a new fixed-line telephone number, and customers can also port over their existing fixed-line telephone numbers from other networks.