3G/mobile broadband industry news from the UMTS Forum
21 January 2011
A major new report from the UMTS Forum predicts the global existence of one billion Consumer Electronics (CE) devices connected to mobile broadband networks by 2016. “Two Worlds Connected: Consumer Electronics Meets Mobile Broadband” is available exclusively to members of the UMTS Forum. While the market for connected devices remains embryonic, the study argues that CE device connectivity will outstrip overall wireless market growth in the next five years. This trend is signalled by a wave of device categories – from e-Book readers to satnav devices – that are already demanding access to cellular networks.
AIRCOM International has deployed an integrated wireless GSM/UMTS and backhaul network planning software solution to Union Wireless, the local US operator in Wyoming, North-West Colorado and Utah. AIRCOM’s Asset product will allow Union Wireless to model new 3G sites prior to live traffic deployment, enabling the operator to roll out an efficient, optimised radio network using dual GSM and WCDMA technology. AIRCOM’s CONNECT tool will provide Union Wireless with intelligent backhaul, microwave and capacity planning across TDM, Ethernet IP and hybrid networks to combat the bottlenecks that can arise from increased data traffic.
Computer maker Acer has confirmed that it will continue to manufacture netbooks, as well as tablet devices. Acer recognizes that the computer market is changing and tablets will find space next to netbooks and notebooks in its portfolio, without taking them over. Acer’s current line-up includes a 10.1” Android tablet, for a superb mobile and home entertainment experience, a 7” Android Tablet and a 10.1” Windows Tablet.
Japan’s NTT DOCOMO, China Mobile and South Korea’s KT Corporation have formed a strategic alliance to provide mobile customers with new experiences and services in the growing regional market of North-East Asia, where increasing international cooperation is creating opportunities for new business development. The operators will collaborate on international roaming, enterprise services, LTE and other network technologies, smartphones and common platforms.
Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has upgraded T-Mobile Austria’s network with HSPA+ technology capable of supporting peak downlink data speeds of up to 21 Mbps, with the potential to evolve to 42 Mbps in the future. The upgrade will shorten voice and data call set-up and latency times, while increasing data speeds and improving smartphone battery life. With HSPA+, T-Mobile Austria improves data speeds and better manages network capacity during peak times, further improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Swisscom has unveiled new mobile price plans aimed at young people under the age of 26. The new offerings will give young subscribers a bigger SMS and data allowance, as well as a cost limit for mobile surfing. A daily data transmission limit of CHF5 (US$5) will keep mobile internet usage costs under control. With NATEL xtra liberty primo, young customers get a data allowance of 100 MB included in the monthly subscription of CHF29.
NEC and China’s Wuhan Research Institute of Post and Telecommunications (WRI) have announced a joint initiative to develop, sell and support 3GPP-compliant LTE wireless systems, including base stations (eNodeB), Operation and Maintenance Sub-systems and Self Organizing Network (SON). The jointly-developed products will support both TD-LTE and FD-LTE standards, and be commercially available during 2011. NEC will be responsible for international markets, while Wuhan Fiberhome Mobile Communications – its existing joint venture with WRI – will target the Chinese market.
Vodafone Albania to Launch 3G Mobile Broadband
Following the recent launch of 3G services in the capital city of Tirana, Vodafone Albania has selected Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) for its 3G network expansion contract.Under the four-year deal, the Finnish vendor will deploy Vodafone Albania’s 3G radio access network, using its Flexi Multiradio Base Station. NSN will also provide consulting, civil works support, network planning and optimization, training and maintenance services. In addition, NSN will replace the operator’s existing GSM radio network.
IPWireless has launched a plug-in accessory that allows mobile operators to broadcast popular multimedia content, offload data intensive traffic from 3G networks and provide a superior user experience. The IMP (Integrated Mobile Broadcast) accessory, which is designed for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad, relieves network congestion by offloading 3G mobile data, such as high quality video. It plugs into a device’s docking connector and allows an array of mobile applications to access multimedia content that will be delivered over a mobile operator’s IMB content delivery network.
Huawei has successfully completed a circuit switched (CS) fallback voice call with a third-party handset provider, demonstrating continued innovation in LTE/EPC (Long Term Evolution/Evolved Packet Core). The call showcases that operators using LTE/EPC to provide pure data services will still be able to leverage its existing CS network to provide voice services. According standards defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), CS Fallback is considered to be the preferred solution for the early stages of LTE/EPC network deployment.
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