3G/mobile broadband industry news from the UMTS Forum
04 September 2009
Nokia has unveiled its latest N-series internet tablet device, the Nokia N900, which runs on Linux-based Maemo software. Designed for computer-grade performance, the new Maemo 5 software enables users to open several applications simultaneously. The HSPA-enabled Nokia N900 also features touch screen, QWERTY keyboard, WiFi connectivity and Mozilla-based browser. The device will be available in select markets from October 2009 at an estimated retail price of EUR500.
Vodafone is planning to deploy the full 14.4 Mbps capability of its HSPA network in the areas of highest demand across the U.K. The operator has already upgraded hot spot sites in London, Birmingham and Liverpool, and will continue to implement higher speeds across the country. Customers can mostly use their existing mobile broadband devices: more than 80% of all Vodafone datacards and 3G handsets are ready for the improved network speeds.
Belgian mobile operator Base, part of KPN Group, has announced plans to upgrade its network with HSPA technology by the end of 2009. The move comes in response to increasing demand for mobile data services in the consumer and SOHO/SME market. Simultaneously Base’s strategy will be focused on developing competitive mobile broadband internet offers as real alternatives to current fixed broadband products.
Thai mobile operator dtac has launched 2000-user 3G network trial in the capital Bangkok in cooperation with CAT Telecom, focusing on the customer experience. As part of the THB100-million (US$2.93 million) project, the operator will carry out a comprehensive customer survey in an effort to obtain feedback on customer satisfaction with notebook-based mobile broadband services. The trial, which is expected to run until the end of 2009, is based on HSPA technology running on dtac’s existing 850 MHz frequency. Dtac expects to be awarded a 3G licence later this year.
Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) has expanded its 3G network coverage to Kununurra in WA, Port Douglas in Queensland and Devonport in Tasmania. Including new regional cities and towns, Vodafone’s 3G network now covers 94% of the Australian population. The operator is also offering free access to Facebook until 31 October, expecting that social media will drive mobile broadband uptake.
Huawei has been awarded 147 LTE patents by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), representing 12% of all existing LTE patents granted so far. The patents cover several key LTE sub-sectors, including physical-layer air interface, radio resource management and connection management. Earlier this year, the vendor deployed one of the world’s first trial LTE networks for TeliaSonera in Oslo, Norway.
Nokia has unveiled two new HSDPA smartphones at Nokia World, aimed at social media and music savvy consumers. The Nokia N97 mini will debut together with Nokia’s new location-aware internet application, branded lifecasting with Ovi, enabling users to publish their location and status updates directly to their Facebook account from their mobile device. The new Nokia X6 offers 35-hour music playback, 32GB of on-board memory and 3.2" touchscreen interface.
Hong Kong operator CSL, part of Telstra, has signed a contract with ZTE to deploy UMTS in the 900 Mhz band and roll out a commercial trial LTE network in. The companies jointly conducted a live demo of LTE technology, with peak in excess of 100 Mbps in the downlink. CSL is also the first operator in Hong Kong to deploy UMTS 900 technology in an effort to expand its existing HSPA+ network.
Japan’s NEC Corporation has unveiled its compact outdoor LTE base station at the Broadband World Forum Europe 2009. Qualifying as the industry’s smallest, the base station features REC (Radio Equipment Controller) control functions with SON (Self Organizing Network) technologies that enable efficient construction and operation of base stations. It also consumes 75% less power compared with conventional base stations thanks to the removal of cooling fans.
Latin American operator America Móvil has agreed to expand its existing services partnership with Nokia and roll out the Ovi Store across the region. The deal will enable Latin American consumers to access applications, videos and games on Nokia’s mobile application platform. The Ovi Store service will be available to América Móvil customers in Latin America later this year through Nokia's flagship HSDPA smartphone, the Nokia N97. América Móvil already provides Nokia Messaging, Nokia Comes with Music, and Nokia Maps.
Mobile broadband services provider EMOBILE has upgraded its Japanese WCDMA/HSPA network with HSPA+ technology, supported by Ericsson. Under the agreement, Ericsson is the sole supplier of the core network and core systems integration services. Ericsson is also the main supplier for the HSPA+ upgrade, including network deployment services. EMOBILE’s HSPA+ network enables peak downlink rates of up to 21 Mbps. It covers the country’s largest metropolitan cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama and Nagoya.
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