US operator Cellular South has announced a strategic alliance with Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) to build an LTE network. In addition to network equipment in the 700 MHz band, Samsung will supply Cellular South with LTE Band Class 12 smartphones. Cellular South expects to launch its LTE network in the fourth quarter of 2011, using voice-over LTE (VoLTE), and continue to expand LTE coverage across its 700 MHz footprint in 2012. The alliance will enable both companies to pursue the integration of rich multimedia services and “three screen differentiation” across smartphones, laptops/netbooks and televisions.

Cellular South and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announced a strategic alliance today, November 17, to build a fourth generation (4G) mobile broadband network for the nation’s largest privately owned wireless communications provider using Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology.

The alliance also calls for Samsung Mobile, the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S., to supply Cellular South with two LTE Band Class 12 4G smartphone handsets as well as other new and innovative network solutions operating in the 700 MHz spectrum.  The devices and the network will be ready for launch in the fourth quarter of 2011.

LTE technology enables delivery of unprecedented wireless broadband service for higher performance mobile computing, multimedia and consumer electronic devices and applications.  The technology is designed to deliver mobile data networks with higher speed and throughput performance, lower latency, roaming and improved efficiencies.

The alliance with Samsung is designed to allow both companies to jointly pursue the integration of rich multi-media services and “three screen differentiation” across smartphones, laptops and netbooks and televisions, including access to Samsung Media Hub, a library of video and literary content powered by some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Samsung Mobile and Cellular South plan to launch LTE service by the end of 2011 using voice-over LTE (VoLTE) and continue to expand availability across its 700 MHz footprint in 2012.

The LTE announcement builds on Cellular South’s technology leadership as one of the first wireless providers to launch high-speed wireless broadband service in its service area using CDMA Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology.  The company’s data innovation and leadership have been marked by the introduction of new multimedia handsets and innovative applications such as games, e-mail, Internet access, picture and video messaging on a variety of devices, including handsets, PDAs, smartphones and netbooks.
“Our move to 4G is driven by our vision of creating an unmatched experience and enabling our customers to experience pervasive wireless Internet connectivity and mobility,” said Hu Meena, president and CEO of Cellular South.  “Cellular South is pleased to partner with Samsung Mobile on an LTE solution that uses our entire spectrum in the lower 700 MHz band.  “This network will deliver a first-class LTE experience to our customers who want the freedom to access content and services and to communicate in new and innovative ways, whether it’s viewing video, browsing the mobile web, listening to their favorite music, gaming or social media.”

Meena said a number of factors are setting the stage for Cellular South’s 4G network migration, including customers’ evolving appetite for more information, entertainment and functionality along with expectations of immediate access, high speed, easy handling and seamless mobility.  “With a host of new devices and applications and a focus on embedded wireless in virtually every piece of electronics you buy in any store, we believe LTE is the best technology with the scope and scale to deliver on our promise,” he said.
“Samsung Mobile is excited to work with Cellular South to bring the speed and connectivity of LTE infrastructure and devices to consumers in the Southeastern U.S. along with two LTE-enabled handsets by the fourth quarter of 2011,” said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile.  “The LTE network and upcoming handsets will enable Cellular South customers to stream videos, download music and improve overall productivity in their daily work and personal lives.”

Samsung Mobile’s commercial LTE network products leverage years of 4G orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) experience and have flexible bandwidth support of 1.4 to 20 MHz standards.  Network infrastructure features include:

• Support for a wide array of enhanced node B (eNB) products, including rack types, remote radio heads, picocells and distributed antenna system (DAS) hosts.
• A  scalable, single rack, enhanced packet core (EPC) along with IP multimedia subsystem  (IMS) products supporting rapid deployment and end-to-end device quality control
• An open architecture supporting multi-vendor inter-operation through initiatives such as the LTE Strategic Test Initiative (STI)
• Incorporation of high efficiency multimode amplifiers and energy saving mode

“Today’s 4G announcement presents a major growth opportunity for Cellular South,” Meena said.  “Fourth generation’s higher data speeds will usher in a new era of wireless applications and appliances, all of which can benefit from connecting to one of the industry’s premier wireless broadband data networks.”
For more information about Cellular South’s LTE plans, go to www.cellularsouth.com or go to www.samsungusanews.com. 

About Cellular South

Cellular South is a diversified mobile communications company passionately committed to helping customers get the most out of their wireless devices and services.  The nation’s largest privately owned wireless communications provider accomplishes this goal by optimizing customers’ app experience through Discover Apps, providing the most reliable and advanced high-speed nationwide wireless voice and data network, offering industry-leading family and unlimited flat rate voice, text and mobile web plans, and through its online and in-store Discover Centers, which give customers easy, simple and convenient tools, tips, advice and information on how to get the most out of their mobile phone.  For more information about Cellular South and its products and services, visit www.cellularsouth.com.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.