3G/mobile broadband industry news from the UMTS Forum
16 October 2009
Speaking at Futurecom in São Paulo, UMTS Forum Chairman Jean-Pierre Bienaimé described LTE (Long Term Evolution) as “not just a new standard, but the enabler for a new global mobile ecosystem”. Bienaimé also encouraged Brazil to reserve the entire 2.6 GHz frequency band for mobile broadband, according to the ITU plan (2x70 MHz FDD + 50 MHz TDD).
The 3GPP Partners have submitted a proposal to the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) to evaluate LTE-Advanced (LTE Release 10 & beyond) as a candidate technology for IMT-Advanced. The submission was made jointly on behalf of the 3GPP Organizational Partners: ARIB, ATIS, CCSA, ETSI, TTA and TTC, which represent the North American, European and Asian regions.
3 UK, part of Hutchison Whampoa, has won the Best Mobile Broadband Package title at the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards 2009. The mobile broadband deal, which won 3 UK the award, includes the Samsung N130 Netbook with its 10-inch LCD screen and Intel Atom processor and an HSDPA-enabled USB modem, with a monthly free data download limit of 15 GB for GBP25 per month.
3G Americas Publishes Report on 3GPP Broadband Evolution from HSPA to LTE-Advanced. “Driven by global deployments of HSPA mobile broadband, we are approaching the dawn of a new decade that will bring many mobile broadband innovations to diverse new consumer and enterprise markets,” stated Peter Rysavy, President of Rysavy Research and author of the white paper published today by 3G Americas. The white paper, HSPA to LTE-Advanced: 3GPP Broadband Evolution to IMT-Advanced (4G), discusses the 3GPP evolution of EDGE, HSPA and LTE, their capabilities and their positions relative to other primary competing technologies and how these technologies fit into the ITU roadmap that leads to IMT-Advanced.
Motorola has completed a 3G network upgrade for Vinaphone, Vietnam’s second largest mobile operator. The upgrade, which took just two months, enabled Vinaphone to launch the country’s first mobile broadband services. Currently, the operator’s 3G network covers in the northern part of the country, including the capital city, Hanoi. Vinaphone expects that the development will differentiate its services in Vietnam’s dynamic mobile market as demand for mobile data services grows fast.
Cisco Systems has acquired U.S.-based mobile broadband solutions provider Starent Networks for US$2.9 billion in an effort to expand its mobile internet offerings for service providers. The acquisition of the packet core specialist will enable Cisco to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing mobile internet space and the market for IP-based mobile infrastructure.
M1 HSPA+ Network First in Asia Pacific to Deploy MIMO to Achieve Singapore's Fastest Download Speed of 28Mbps
Huawei has completed a network upgrade for Singapore’s leading mobile operator MobileOne (M1), making HSPA+ mobile broadband service at 28 Mbps available in selected areas. As part of the upgrade, M1 has deployed MIMO (Multiple-input-multiple-output) technology as Asia Pacific’s first operator. The company will gradually roll out MIMO to its entire HSPA+ network.
Nokia, AT&T, Best Buy and Microsoft will commercially launch the Nokia Booklet 3G in the U.S. in mid-November. The netbook will be sold in Best Buy stores nationwide for US$299.99. The device will be available on an AT&T Data Connect two-year contract. The Nokia Booklet 3G features embedded HSPA, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 10.1 inch display, Intel Atom processor, up to 12 hours battery life, HDMI port, camera for video calling, as well as extras including Ovi Suite, the Ovi Maps gadget and integrated A-GPS with Ovi Maps.
Fujitsu has unveiled the new LIFEBOOK P3110 netbook, which will be available with an optional embedded HSDPA modem. Specs include a 11.6-inch screen, 1.6 kg weight,environmentally-friendly components with an ultra-low-voltage Intel processor and energy-efficient LED backlight display, battery life of approximately six hours.
3G Pleasure on High Speed Train with Avea
Turkish operator Avea has expanded 3G coverage along the high-speed train line between Ankara and Eskisehir, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and the Turkish State Railway (TCDD). Passengers will be able to access Avea’s HSDPA mobile broadband internet services, as well as video calls and mobile TV, during the 1.5-hour journey.
Samsung has commercially launched Samsung Blue Earth, an eco-friendly touch-screen mobile phone. The HSDPA-enabled device combines the latest multimedia features and stylish design with eco-friendly materials and lower energy consumption. It also features an eco-friendly user interface, enabling users to set screen brightness, backlight duration and Bluetooth to an energy-efficient mode. Samsung Blue Earth will be available in Sweden in October, and later on in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Portugal and other European and Asian countries.
Bell Labs has conducted joint live field tests of Coordinated Multipoint Transmission (CoMP) in cooperation with Deutsche Telekom Laboratories, the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institut, and antenna supplier Kathrein. The CoMP transmission technology can be used to increase uplink speeds to mobile devices, ensuring consistent service quality and throughput on 3G/WCDMA and LTE mobile broadband networks.
Vodafone and Research In Motion (RIM) have launched the BlackBerry Storm 2 smartphone in seven European countries (U.K, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy) and South Africa. The HSPA-enabled touch-screen device features 3.25-inch display and 3.2 megapixel camera, as well as the BlackBerry OS 5. It will be available from Vodafone UK for free on a 24-month GBP35-per-month contract with 600 minutes talk-time, unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service, unlimited text messaging and unlimited access to VMI (Vodafone Mobile Internet) and broadband.
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