3G/mobile broadband industry news from the UMTS Forum
30 April 2010
TeliaSonera has announced results of its survey among users of the world’s first commercial LTE network that launched in December 2009. As a result of gaining access to the mobile broadband network that’s up to 10 times faster than 3G, Internet usage habits of LTE users have changed. 26% of surveyed users are working more on a mobile basis, 23% download larger files more frequently, 19% watch online TV and streaming movies while 16% surf more.
O2 UK has launched two new laptops with embedded mobile broadband modems: the Asus UL30A laptop and the Samsung N150 netbook. The Asus UL30A will be available in May at GBP30 per month, while the Samsung N150 is available from 30 April priced at GBP25 per month. The full service package also offers customers inclusive Wi-Fi, an extended two-year warranty, 30 days technical support, McAfee Internet Security and O2’s 30 day ‘Happiness Guarantee’.
Vodafone has unveiled eight own-brand mobile handsets, including its first Android device. The Vodafone 845 smartphone features the Android 2.1 operating system, 2.8-inch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3-megapixel camera and access to Android Market. The Vodafone 845 is powered by HSDPA technology, enabling peak downlink speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps. The device will launch in 12 markets, including the UK.
Hewlett-Packard (HP) has announced its intention to acquire pioneer smartphone maker Palm for US$5.70 per share in cash, or a total of enterprise value of US$1.2 billion. The merger will accelerate HP’s growth within the more than US$100 billion connected mobile device market. HP intends to place Palm’s webOS platform at the centre of its new mobile broadband device strategy. Palm’s unique webOS will allow HP to take advantage of features such as true multitasking and information sharing across applications.
Japan’s NEC has carried out laboratory trials of LTE with Spain’s Telefónica de Argentina, achieving maximum throughput of 95 Mbps using an actual LTE terminal. NEC provided Telefónica de Argentina labs with a total LTE network system that consisted of a core network and wireless base stations. The trial took place between February and March 2010 using 20 MHz bandwidth. At the next stage, NEC will conduct LTE field trials with Telefónica’s Argentinian unit.
Nokia has launched its first handset powered by the new version of the Symbian operating system. The N8, which runs the Symbian 3.0 platform, features a 12-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, HD-quality video functionality with a built-in editing suite and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound when plugged into the user’s home theatre system. It also has a single application aggregating multiple social networking activities. The HSPA device, which enables peak downlink rates of up to 10.2 Mbps, will be available in select markets during the third quarter of 2010.
Sony Corporation has partnered with IPWireless to jointly research and develop wireless technologies for 4G and other advanced 3GPP wireless technologies. Initially, the partners will focus on enhancing LTE technology for new applications and services. The R&D activities will be based at IPWireless’ UK technology centre. The new R&D initiatives, will combine Sony’s capabilities for delivering rich user experiences and groundbreaking consumer innovation with IPWireless’ expertise in developing 3GPP mobile broadband and broadcast technologies.
Tele2 Netherlands, along with cable operators Ziggo and UPC, as well as the three incumbent mobile operators KPN, Vodafone Netherlands and T-Mobile Netherlands, have been awarded spectrum in the Dutch 2.6 GHz auction. Tele2 Netherlands was awarded 2x20Mhz of paired spectrum, while Ziggo 4 BV, the joint venture of the country's two leading cable operators, won a total of 40 MHz. KPN and Vodafone Netherlands were each awarded 20MHz paired spectrum, while T-Mobile received 10 MHz.
T-Mobile Austria has replaced its entire 3G network within one year, completing the upgrade to HSPA+ technology in cooperation with Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN). Since the beginning of July 2009, T-Mobile Austria has updated more than 3,000 UMTS base stations with the new system, which will allow customers to surf the internet at peak downlink rates of up to 21 Mbps. First HSPA+ terminals are expected to arrive on the market in mid-2010. The technology also reduces power consumption of the network by 40%.
Shaw Announces Plans for Next Generation Wireless
Canadian cable operator Shaw Communications has revealed more details about the launch its LTE network in late 2011. The rollout will be backed by approximately CA$100-million investment during the financial year 2010. The move is part of Shaw’s strategy to provide a quadruple-play offering. Shaw is one of five new mobile entrants that were awarded Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum in 2008.
Russia’s Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has signed a five-year managed services deal with Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), becoming the first Russian operator to outsource its entire network operations. Under the terms of the contract, MTS will outsource the daily operation and maintenance of its entire mobile network across Central Russia to NSN and transfer around 250 employees to the Finish vendor. The deal will enable MTS to simplify its overall network operations during the rollout of 3G services in Russia’s central region.
Alcatel-Lucent and Aksh Optifibre have collaborated to support the commercial launch of India’s first 3G-powered mobile TV platform. The new service is offered by India’s state-owned telecoms group Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) in the metro cities of Delhi and Mumbai. MTNL expects to tap into streaming video, which is one of the fastest growing data services. Aksh Optifibre Aksh Optifibre, India’s pioneering IPTV service provider, currently offers its IPTV services to MTNL subscribers.
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