3G/mobile broadband industry news from the UMTS Forum
02 July 2010
Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) and Nokia have jointly conducted an end-to-end LTE data call in the 800 MHz frequency band, known as the Digital Dividend spectrum. The partners have demonstrated the end-to-end interoperability of NSN’s LTE network infrastructure with Nokia’s LTE-capable multi-mode multi-band Internet Modem RD-3. The tests have advanced commercialisation of LTE in the 800 MHz band, particularly suitable for mobile broadband deployment in rural areas.
Ericsson and Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories have concluded Taiwan’s first LTE field trials, which demonstrated excellent indoor and outdoor mobility and application services. The test showcased smooth performance in High Definition Multimedia Streaming, optimised network efficiency with high-speed transmission rates and minimal delay.
NEC Corporation (NEC) has commenced shipment of Low-Power Radio Equipment (LRE) for NTT DoCoMo’s LTE base stations. NEC's LRE, which are compatible with NTT DoCoMo's LTE and W-CDMA standards, are low power wireless devices that are deployed indoors. They expand radio signal coverage to locations that outdoor base stations cannot access, such as basements and the high floors of large buildings.
Vodafone Portugal has contracted Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) Service Broker to enable bundling of legacy services with new data services. The solution will facilitate the convergence of legacy circuit-switched services, such as Personnel Greeting Voice services, with IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services. It will help Vodafone Portugal integrate its new real-time voice and video services into existing offerings.
According to Portugal’s telecoms regulator (Anacom), there were 2.17 million mobile broadband internet users in Portugal at the end of the first quarter of 2010, representing a 55.7% year-on-year increase. This compared with 1.936 million fixed broadband users.
Hong Kong’s Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) has allocated radio spectrum in the 678–686 MHz band to China Mobile Hong Kong for a fee of HK$175 million (US$22.5 million). The move will enable the deployment of broadcast-type mobile TV services in Hong Kong, giving consumers the choice of a wider range of high quality TV programmes that are available in real time through mobile devices.
US President Barack Obama has signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release 500 MHz of both federal and commercial radio spectrum over the next ten years. The majority of the freed-up spectrum would be auctioned for mobile broadband and other high-value uses. Initially, a fast-track process will determine whether any spectrum can be identified by 1 October 2010 that could be made available within five years for exclusive or shared use.
AT&T has upgraded its mobile broadband network across New York City (NYC) in order to improve 3G wireless voice/data connectivity and performance, especially during peak hours. The solution adds new carrier frequencies in order to manage available spectrum more efficiently and boost 3G capacity. The enhancements have been implemented on all cell sites in Manhattan plus other areas across Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn.
Canada’s cable TV operator Shaw Communications has selected Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to deploy its new mobile network using the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) band. NSN will provide the recently licensed operator with the radio access and core equipment for the LTE-capable network. The mobile network will be integrated with Shaw's existing fibre optic network. Shaw is one of the five new mobile entrants that were awarded Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum in 2008.
Bulgaria’s M-Tel has unveiled its own operator-branded netbook, the M-Tel Light Book. The HSPA-enabled device costs BGN199 (US$127), or BGN8.90 per month, bundled with the M-Tel Surf NonStop+ package. The netbook is powered by the Windows 7 operating system. It features the 1.66 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1 GHz RAM and a 10.1-inch display. embedded HSPA connectivity enables peak downlink rates of up to 7.2 Mbps on M-Tel’s HSPA network.
The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) has awarded a UMTS licence to Zain Kenya, now owned by India’s Bharti Airtel. Zain will become the country’s second mobile operator after Safaricom to launch 3G services. The auction followed the CCK’s recent reduction of the 3G licence fees by 60% from USD25 million to USD 10 million.
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