3G/mobile broadband industry news from the UMTS Forum
21 May 2010
3 Denmark has launched mobile broadband subscriptions bundled together with the DOVADO 3GN router. The device supports the high speeds which 3’s Danish Turbo 3G HSPA+ network can deliver, making it possible to replace the traditional fixed broadband connection, such as ADSL. When connected to 3’s USB modem, the router enables peak downlink speeds of up to 16 Mbps. By connecting the 3 modem to the router's USB port, the DOVADO 3GN can also create a WiFi zone.
T-Mobile Austria has announced that it has been conducting LTE live network trials with Huawei as its network vendor and Samsung as the end-user terminal supplier. Together with Huawei, the operator has deployed LTE test networks in Vienna and Innsbruck, using the 2.6 GHz frequency band. The LTE trial network was set up after the companies held the first LTE test in the T-Mobile Shop on the Rennweg in Vienna last year, reaching maximum download speeds of up to 130 Mbps. Samsung now provides its LTE-enabled USB modem for laptops and PCs.
Alcatel-Lucent has delivered its commercially available end-to-end LTE network solution to provide TV broadcasters with a live video feed of the World Match Racing Tour’s German Grand Prix, an international sailing boat race, taking place between 19-24 May on Lake Constance, Germany.
South Africa’s Cell C has selected Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to modernize its all-IP radio access and backbone network. The development is in response to fast growth in mobile data traffic and increasing smart device usage. It will enable Cell C to provide faster broadband speeds and advanced multimedia services. NSN will deploy Flexi Multiradio Base Stations, which are delivered with GSM, 3G and LTE features and can be installed on Cell C's existing base station sites. This will allow the operator to roll out 3G-based mobile broadband coverage, while simplifying the network and reducing operating costs.
India’s telecoms regulator (DoT) has announced the results of the auction for 3G frequencies. Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications and Aircel have gained spectrum in 13 circles at the price of INR123 billion (US$2.6 billion), INR85.9 billion and INR65 billion respectively. Idea has won spectrum in 11 circles for INR57.7, while Vodafone Essar and Tata and have won licences in nine circles paying respectively INR116.17 billion and INR5.8 billion.
Japan’s NTT DoCoMo has launched a diverse line-up of 20 new handsets, including 17 models in the four main series of FOMA 3G handsets: docomo STYLE series, docomo PRIME series, docomo SMART series and docomo PRO series, plus three docomo Smartphone models. Along with the new handset line-up, DOCOMO has introduced new or updated services and features, including high-definition video recording, Wi-Fi access-point capability, designer-collaborated styling and a new healthcare support service.
Ericsson has been contracted by Dataprom, the Brazilian supplier of public-transport solutions, to provide M2M (machine-to-machine) technology for connecting public buses in the city of Curitiba in Brazil to 3G mobile broadband. The Electronic Ticketing and Fleet Management Systems enable controllers to access information about and monitor their fleet. Citizens of Curitiba in Brazil will be first to experience improved public transport services based on high-bandwidth connectivity.
French regulator ARCEP has accepted the applications submitted by France Telecom’s Orange France and Vivendi’s SFR for the remaining UMTS 2100 MHz frequencies. The government has raised EUR582.1 billion (US$72.9 billion) in revenue from the sale of two blocks of the remaining 3G spectrum. Orange acquired a 4.8 MHz block for EUR282.1 million, while SFR acquired a 5 MHz block of frequencies for EUR300 million. The additional 3G spectrum allows operators to boost their network capacity in order to meet increasing demand for data usage.
HTC has unveiled a new Android smartphone, the HTC Wildfire, which – like its predecessor the HTC Desire, features the HTC Sense user interface. Based on the Android 2.0 operating system, the device features a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen, five-megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash, 3.5 mm audio jack and micro SD card slot. It integrates social networking applications with email, texts and images into one place. The smartphone will be available in major European and Asian markets from Q3 2010.
Canadian operator Mobilicity has launched six unlimited usage price plans. In parallel, the company has introduced six HSDPA-enabled smartphones, including the Nokia 5230, the HTC Snap and BlackBerry Bold 9700. Mobilicity also offers a USB data stick for a one-off fee of CA$99.99, aimed at consumers looking for unlimited mobile broadband internet access.
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